Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
试用 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
试用shìyòngto try something outHSK 5, unknown, 13 strokes, rank #14367, Hard
试用shìyòngon probationHSK 5, unknown, 13 strokes, rank #14367, Hard
shìyòng(shi4yong4)shi yong T4
  1. 1to try something out
  2. 2on probation
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

试用(試用)shìyòng(shi4yong4)

试用 means 'to try something out' or 'to be on probation.' It is commonly used in contexts such as testing products, services, or job positions before making a final decision. The term suggests a temporary period where the effectiveness or suitability of something is evaluated.

Strokes13Frequency#14367DifficultyHard
Cultural note

In contemporary China, many companies offer 试用 periods for new hires, allowing both the employer and employee to assess fit before committing long-term. This practice reflects a cautious approach to employment and consumer choices.

Memory tip

Imagine you are in a store trying on a pair of shoes before buying them. 试 (shi4) sounds like 'shoes' in English, and 用 (yong4) sounds like 'young,' reflecting a youthful experience of trying things for the first time. Picture a young person taking time to test the shoes—this embodies the essence of试用.

Meanings of 试用

shìyòng(shi4yong4)
1to try something out
2on probation
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 试用 means.

About 试用

试用Simplified
試用Traditional
13Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 试用

JasonAmy

Podcast: 试用

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 试用

Quick Contrast

试用 (try out, probation) vs 使用 (use) — choose 试用 when referring to a trial period rather than regular use.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 试用 with 试吃 (to taste test) or 体验 (to experience), but 试用 specifically refers to trying something out for evaluation. It is more formal and often used in product launches or job evaluations. Be mindful of using the correct context for clarity.

HSK Study Tips

Though not an official HSK word, 试用 can be related to other HSK Level 4 words involving actions and evaluations. Focus on understanding its usage in practical scenarios, and practice using it in sentences about trying new things or being on probation.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes misuse 试用 when they mean to say 'try something' casually, leading to sentences like '我试用这本书' (I try this book), which is incorrect. Instead, use '我想读这本书' (I want to read this book).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 试用

Premium — Locked

Tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 试用, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsPitch drawing+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 试用 to you

Let me explain 试用 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 试用 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

How well do you know 试用?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 试用 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Component characters

试shìto test
HSK 38 strokes讠
View full entry
用yòngto use
HSK 35 strokes用
View full entry

How to say to try something out in Chinese

“to try something out” in Chinese is试用shìyòng

试用 means 'to try something out' or 'to be on probation.' It is commonly used in contexts such as testing products, services, or job positions before making a final decision. The term suggests a temporary period where the effectiveness or suitability of something is evaluated.

When to use 试用

Learners often confuse 试用 with 试吃 (to taste test) or 体验 (to experience), but 试用 specifically refers to trying something out for evaluation. It is more formal and often used in product launches or job evaluations. Be mindful of using the correct context for clarity.

试用 or something close to it

试用 (try out, probation) vs 使用 (use) — choose 试用 when referring to a trial period rather than regular use.

What learners get wrong

Learners sometimes misuse 试用 when they mean to say 'try something' casually, leading to sentences like '我试用这本书' (I try this book), which is incorrect. Instead, use '我想读这本书' (I want to read this book).

Write 试用

试
用

Practice writing 试用 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 试用?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

Frequently asked questions about 试用

试用 specifically refers to trying something out for evaluation, such as products or job positions, while 体验 emphasizes the experience of something, often related to enjoying or learning.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 试用?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab