テスト
tesuto[te̞sɨ̥to̞]
The English word 'test' can be translated into Japanese as テスト (tesuto) or 試験. If unsure, use テスト.
Meaning: academics: examination (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| テスト | tesuto | [te̞sɨ̥to̞] (narrow) |
| 試験 | shiken | [ɕikẽ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
In an academic context, these terms refer to an examination. You can also use the related verbal forms テストする or 試験する to mean administering an examination during an academic term, or 試す to mean to challenge something.
Which one should you use?
テスト is a common way to refer to a test, whereas 試験 is used for more significant examinations, such as university entrance exams or professional licensing exams.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
tesuto
Did you know?
- If you are talking about a 'blood test' in a medical context, Japanese speakers typically avoid both テスト and 試験, opting instead for the word 検査 (kensa).
- In a professional setting, if you are 'testing' a new product or a piece of software, you will often hear the word 試作 (shisaku), which literally means 'trial production'. This shifts the focus from the act of testing to the act of making a prototype.
- The word 試験 (shiken) carries a much heavier, more formal weight and is the term used for life-altering events like the 'entrance exam hell' experienced by students.
Examples in context
- テスト文です。This is a test sentence.This sentence shows how to use テスト in a simple sentence.Tatoeba #2246516 by e4zh1nmcz, translation #2246496 by gone2bacolod
- 試験頑張ってね。Good luck on your test.This sentence demonstrates an encouraging way to use 試験 regarding an exam.Tatoeba #3615494 by tommy_san, translation #3616228 by CK
- テストの感触は？How was the test?This sentence shows how to ask about the feeling or impression of a テスト.Tatoeba #11029224 by small_snow, translation #11932996 by CK
- 私たちは毎週テストを受けます。We take tests every week.
- 明日の英語の試験の準備はできていますか？Are you ready for tomorrow's English test?
- テストの結果はどうだった？How did you do on the test?
- 215 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are talking in the library about their studies.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮君、明日のテストは大丈夫？Ren-kun, ashita no tesuto wa daijoubu?Ren, are you okay for tomorrow's test?
- 蓮 Ren少し不安だけど、頑張るよ。Sukoshi fuan dakedo, ganbaru yo.I'm a bit anxious, but I'll do my best.
- 美咲 Misaki私もテストの準備、まだ足りないな。Watashi mo tesuto no junbi, mada tarinai na.I'm not ready enough for the test either.
- 蓮 Ren一緒に図書館で勉強しよう。Issho ni toshokan de benkyou shiyou.Let's study together in the library.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “test” translations and entries テスト, 試験, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
