Understanding "考试" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 考试
• Pinyin: kǎo shì
• Literal Meaning: "Test and examine"
• Primary Meaning: "Exam" or "test" (referring to an academic or formal assessment).

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"考试" is a common word in Chinese used to refer to any formal examination or test, whether in school, for certifications, or even in professional settings. It carries a neutral tone but can evoke stress or pressure depending on the context, much like "exam" in English.

Character Breakdown

• 考 (kǎo): Means "to test," "to check," or "to investigate."
• 试 (shì): Means "to try," "to experiment," or "to test."
  Together, they emphasize the idea of assessing or evaluating through a formal process.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 明天我有一个重要的考试。
   Pinyin: Míngtiān wǒ yǒu yī gè zhòngyào de kǎoshì.
   English: Tomorrow, I have an important exam.

2. Chinese: 你准备好考试了吗？
   Pinyin: Nǐ zhǔnbèi hǎo kǎoshì le ma?
   English: Are you prepared for the exam?

3. Chinese: 这次考试很难，但我通过了。
   Pinyin: Zhè cì kǎoshì hěn nán, dàn wǒ tōngguò le.
   English: This exam was difficult, but I passed.

Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, "考试" holds significant weight, especially in education. High-stakes exams like the Gaokao (高考, gāo kǎo), the national college entrance exam, can determine a student's future opportunities. The pressure to perform well in exams is deeply ingrained, reflecting the value placed on academic achievement.

Conclusion

"考试" (kǎo shì) is a fundamental word for any learner of Chinese, especially students. It refers to exams or tests and is used in both formal and informal contexts. Remember the characters 考 (test) and 试 (try) to grasp its meaning fully. Whether you're discussing school tests or professional certifications, this word will be essential in your Chinese vocabulary.