測驗
cak1 jim6
In Cantonese, the word for test is 測驗 (cak1 jim6).
測驗 is used to refer to academic examinations or assessments. It typically describes smaller-scale assessments, such as classroom quizzes or periodic tests, rather than major national or high-stakes entrance examinations.
Meaning: academics: examination (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 測驗 is composed of 測, which means to measure or test and 驗, which means to examine or verify.
Which one should you use?
考試 is a formal word for a test or examination. If you are referring specifically to the physical test paper or the examination booklet itself, use 試卷.
How do you pronounce it?
cak1 jim6
Did you know?
- When a student fails a 測驗, they might say they 爆煲 (baau3 bou1), which literally means 'the pot exploded', indicating a total disaster.
- In some contexts, 測 (cak1) is used in the phrase 測字 (cak1 zi6), which refers to the folk practice of fortune-telling by guessing a randomly written character.
- Cantonese speakers may use the term 試金石 (si3 gam1 sek2), meaning 'touchstone', to describe a test that reveals a person's true character or ability.
Examples in context
- 你測驗測成點呀？How did your test go?This sentence is useful for asking how someone performed on their 測驗.Tatoeba #5949201 by nickyeow, translation #3408148 by Hybrid
- 我哋要準備測驗。We need to prepare for the exam.
- 你做完試卷未呀？Did you finish the test paper?
- 嘩，你準備好測未呀？Hey, are you ready for the test?
- 呢個測驗好難呀。ni1 go3 cak1 jim6 hou2 naan4 aa3.This test is very difficult.
Example conversation
Two students are talking in the hallway.
- 志強 Chi Keung嘉欣，你準備好個測驗未？ga1 han1, nei5 zeon2 bei6 hou2 go3 cak1 jim3 mei6?Ka Han, have you prepared for the test yet?
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan我讀咗好耐，應該冇問題。ngo5 duk6 zo2 hou2 noi6, jing1 goi1 mou5 man6 tai4.I've studied for a long time, so it should be fine.
- 志強 Chi Keung我好擔心會唔會好難。ngo5 hou2 daam1 sam1 wui5 m4 wui5 hou2 naan4.I'm worried that it might be very difficult.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan加油，志強，你一定可以嘅。gaa1 jau2, zi3 keong4, nei5 jat1 ding6 ho2 ji5 ge3.Keep it up, Chi Keung, you can definitely do it.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
