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March 24, 2026
实验(實驗)shíyàn(shi2yan4)
实验 (shí yàn) refers to an experiment or test conducted to explore, verify, or illustrate a scientific principle or hypothesis. It is commonly used in educational and scientific contexts, often associated with laboratory settings and research activities.
Frequency#2268DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In China, the emphasis on experimentation in education has grown in recent years, reflecting a broader global trend toward inquiry-based learning. This is particularly true in science education, where 实验 plays a crucial role in teaching methodologies.
Memory Tip
Think of 实 (shí) as 'real' and 验 (yàn) as 'to verify'—together they evoke the idea of 'real testing'. Imagine a scientist in a lab wearing a lab coat, conducting a real experiment to verify their hypothesis.
Meanings of 实验
shíyàn(shi2yan4)
1experiment
2test
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About 实验
实验Simplified
實驗Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名动词dòngcíverb-noun (v.-n.)Part of Speech
#2268Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 实验
Podcast: 实验
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AI Study Notes for 实验
Quick Contrast
实验 (shí yàn) vs 测试 (cè shì) — use 实验 for scientific exploration, while 测试 is more about testing functionality or performance.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 实 (shí) as 'real' and 验 (yàn) as 'to verify'—together they evoke the idea of 'real testing'. Imagine a scientist in a lab wearing a lab coat, conducting a real experiment to verify their hypothesis.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 实验, as mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings. It is mainly used in formal contexts, especially in academic or scientific discussions. Common collocations include '进行实验' (jìnxíng shíyàn - to conduct an experiment) and '实验结果' (shíyàn jiéguǒ - experimental results).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 实验 builds on foundational vocabulary related to science and education. Students should focus on understanding its usage within scientific contexts and practice forming sentences that demonstrate its application.
Cultural Note
In China, the emphasis on experimentation in education has grown in recent years, reflecting a broader global trend toward inquiry-based learning. This is particularly true in science education, where 实验 plays a crucial role in teaching methodologies.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 实验 with 体验 (tǐyàn - experience), mistakenly using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我想做一个体验' when they mean to say '我想做一个实验' (I want to conduct an experiment) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 实验
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Grammar Patterns of 实验
实验 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
In 1857 Mendel started experimenting with peas in his monastery garden.
9
可以说1932年是该实验室最有收获的一年。
kě yǐ shuō1932 1932 nián shì gāi shí yàn shì zuì yǒu shōu huò de yī。
Arguably, 1932 was the year of greatest achievement at the Laboratories.
10
他相信他的实验有几分成功的机会.
tā xiāng xìn tā de shí yàn yǒu jī fēn chéng gōng de jī huì.
He believes his experiment has a sporting chance of success.
Cultural Notes for 实验
🏮Cultural insight
In China, the emphasis on experimentation in education has grown in recent years, reflecting a broader global trend toward inquiry-based learning. This is particularly true in science education, where 实验 plays a crucial role in teaching methodologies.
Frequently Asked Questions about 实验
You can say '我们在实验室进行实验' (Wǒmen zài shíyànshì jìnxíng shíyàn) which means 'We conduct experiments in the laboratory.'
实验 typically refers to scientific experiments, while 测试 (cè shì) is more about testing or assessing something, like a product or software.
Yes, while it is more common in academic contexts, you can use 实验 in everyday discussions about science or research.
