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March 24, 2026
试验(試驗)shìyàn(shi4yan4)
试验 (shìyàn) refers to an experiment or test carried out to discover something unknown or to verify a hypothesis. This word is commonly used in scientific contexts but can also apply to practical testing in various fields, such as education or technology.
Frequency#2719DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the importance of experimentation and testing can be seen in the emphasis on education and research. '试验' is often linked to technological advancements and the drive for innovation in China’s rapidly developing economy.
Memory Tip
Imagine a scientist wearing a lab coat (the radical 试, which looks like a person with a large hat) conducting a test (验) with beakers and formulas. The '试' sounds like 'shih', which can remind you of 'she' as in 'she is testing something', while '验' can be thought of as examining results.
Meanings of 试验
shìyàn(shi4yan4)
1experiment
2test
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About 试验
试验Simplified
試驗Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名动词dòngcíverb-noun (v.-n.)Part of Speech
#2719Frequency Rank
次Measure Word
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 试验
Podcast: 试验
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AI Study Notes for 试验
Quick Contrast
实验 (shíyàn) vs 试验 (shìyàn): use 试验 for formal experimental contexts, while 实验 is more general and can refer to broader testing situations.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a scientist wearing a lab coat (the radical 试, which looks like a person with a large hat) conducting a test (验) with beakers and formulas. The '试' sounds like 'shih', which can remind you of 'she' as in 'she is testing something', while '验' can be thought of as examining results.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 试验 (shìyàn) with similar terms like 测试 (cèshì), which specifically means 'to test' in a more general sense. This term is more formal and is often used in academic or scientific settings. It’s important to use the correct measure word: 次 (cì) for instances of tests.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 试验 connects well with other advanced vocabulary related to science and research. Focus on understanding its usage in academic papers or discussions, as well as its collocations with verbs like '进行' (jìnxíng, to carry out) and '进行试验' (to conduct an experiment).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the importance of experimentation and testing can be seen in the emphasis on education and research. '试验' is often linked to technological advancements and the drive for innovation in China’s rapidly developing economy.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 试验 in informal contexts where simpler terms like 测试 would suffice. For example, saying '我想做个试验' (I want to do an experiment) in a casual setting might sound too formal; instead, use '我想测试一下'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 试验
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Grammar Patterns of 试验
试验 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
跟我说说你的临床____。进展如何？
Tell me about your clinical trials. How did they go?
The state farm assigned the experimental plot to that group.
Cultural Notes for 试验
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the importance of experimentation and testing can be seen in the emphasis on education and research. '试验' is often linked to technological advancements and the drive for innovation in China’s rapidly developing economy.
Frequently Asked Questions about 试验
试验 refers to a more formal experiment typically conducted in a scientific context, while 测试 is a general term for testing that can be applied in everyday situations.
While it is primarily used in formal contexts, you can use it in informal conversations about science or technology, but it might sound overly technical.
The most common measure words for 试验 are 次 (cì) and 个 (gè), depending on the context.
