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测试 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
测试cèshìto test (machinery etc)HSK 5, unknown, 17 strokes, rank #1185, Hard
测试cèshìto test (students)HSK 5, unknown, 17 strokes, rank #1185, Hard
测试cèshìtestHSK 5, unknown, 17 strokes, rank #1185, Hard
测试cèshìquizHSK 5, unknown, 17 strokes, rank #1185, Hard
测试cèshìexamHSK 5, unknown, 17 strokes, rank #1185, Hard
测试cèshìbeta (software)HSK 5, unknown, 17 strokes, rank #1185, Hard
cèshì(ce4shi4)ce shi T4
  1. 1to test (machinery etc)
  2. 2to test (students)
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March 24, 2026

测试(測試)cèshì(ce4shi4)

The term '测试' (cè shì) refers to the process of testing or evaluating something, such as machinery, software, or the knowledge of students. It is commonly used in educational and technical contexts, and it emphasizes the assessment aspect of the action. The word can encompass various forms of testing, including quizzes, exams, and beta testing in software development.

Strokes17Frequency#1185DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

'测试' is significant in the context of China's rapid technological development, particularly in education where standardized testing plays a crucial role in students' futures. The concept of testing is deeply embedded in the Chinese educational system, influencing student stress levels and societal expectations.

Memory Tip

Imagine a scientist (the radical '测' with its resemblance to a measuring tool) conducting an experiment to 'test' a new invention while shouting 'Shì!' (which sounds like 'shi' in '测试') to confirm its effectiveness. Visualize the scene to remember the purpose of testing and its pronunciation.

Meanings of 测试

cèshì(ce4shi4)
1to test (machinery etc)
2to test (students)
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About 测试

测试Simplified
測試Traditional
17Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1

Podcast: 测试

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Podcast: 测试

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AI Study Notes for 测试

Quick Contrast

测试 (cèshì) vs 考试 (kǎoshì) — use 测试 for general testing processes, while 考试 specifically refers to formal examinations.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse '测试' (cè shì) with '考' (kǎo), which specifically refers to exams but does not imply evaluation of machinery. The word is generally neutral in tone, but in informal settings, you might hear '测' used alone when discussing tests. Ensure correct tonal pronunciation to avoid misunderstandings, as mispronouncing either character may lead to different meanings.

HSK Study Tips

Although '测试' is not an HSK vocabulary word, it fits well with HSK 3 and 4 topics related to education and technology. Students should focus on practicing its usage in sentences related to testing methods and results, which will help reinforce their vocabulary related to assessments and evaluations.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistakenly use '考' (kǎo) when discussing testing in technology, which is incorrect. For example, saying '我考软件' (wǒ kǎo ruǎnjiàn) instead of '我测试软件' (wǒ cè shì ruǎnjiàn) to mean 'I am testing software' is a common error.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 测试

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Component Characters

测cèside
HSK 59 strokes氵
View full entry
试shìto test
HSK 38 strokes讠
View full entry

How to say to test (machinery etc) in Chinese

“to test (machinery etc)” in Chinese is测试cèshì

The term '测试' (cè shì) refers to the process of testing or evaluating something, such as machinery, software, or the knowledge of students. It is commonly used in educational and technical contexts, and it emphasizes the assessment aspect of the action. The word can encompass various forms of testing, including quizzes, exams, and beta testing in software development.

When to use 测试

Be careful not to confuse '测试' (cè shì) with '考' (kǎo), which specifically refers to exams but does not imply evaluation of machinery. The word is generally neutral in tone, but in informal settings, you might hear '测' used alone when discussing tests. Ensure correct tonal pronunciation to avoid misunderstandings, as mispronouncing either character may lead to different meanings.

测试 or something close to it

测试 (cèshì) vs 考试 (kǎoshì) — use 测试 for general testing processes, while 考试 specifically refers to formal examinations.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mistakenly use '考' (kǎo) when discussing testing in technology, which is incorrect. For example, saying '我考软件' (wǒ kǎo ruǎnjiàn) instead of '我测试软件' (wǒ cè shì ruǎnjiàn) to mean 'I am testing software' is a common error.

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测
试

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Cultural Notes for 测试

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, testing is often viewed as a means of evaluating individual performance, whereas in China, it can reflect on the family’s honor and social status, adding pressure to the testing process.

Frequently Asked Questions about 测试

In a school context, '测试' refers to any form of examination or quiz used to assess students' knowledge.

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