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测验 (cè yàn) — (verb) to test; (noun) test

Definition

测验 is a 'test' in the academic sense — a quiz or exam that measures a learner's knowledge. Vs 测试 (more about testing machines, software, or skills) and 试验 (experimentation), 测验 focuses on grading people.

verb
to test
noun
test
Measure word · 次, 个

Examples

  • 测验。
    Lǎo shī xiǎng cè yàn yí xià wǒ men de shuǐ píng.
    The teacher wants to test our level.
  • 测验。
    Zhè cì cè yàn de chéng jì hěn zhòng yào.
    The results of this test are very important.
  • 测验。
    Wǒ men míng tiān yào cān jiā yí gè cè yàn.
    We have to take a test tomorrow.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéCoordinate

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

测cèmeasure
验yànverify

‘测’ (measure) and ‘验’ (verify) are close actions; together they mean testing by measurement and checking.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 測; 测 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
氵Written in full as水shuǐwater
Sound part声符shēngfú
則
則zé測cè
Close in sound todayThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The traditional form 測 combines 氵 (water) with 則 for the sound; it is explained as measuring the depth of water. The simplified 测 is a later shorthand.

Open 测 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 驗; 验 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
馬馬mǎ
Sound part声符shēngfú
僉
僉qiān驗yàn
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The traditional form 驗 pairs 馬 (horse) with 僉 for sound; the simplified 验 is a later abbreviation.

Open 验 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 7-9HSK 2.0 Level 5Exams & Grades

Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.