考试
kǎoshì
exam / test
考试 is the standard word for exam or test. It covers school exams, HSK tests, driving tests, and any formal assessment — essential for students and test-takers.
Example sentences
下个月有HSK考试。
Xià ge yuè yǒu HSK kǎoshì.
There is an HSK exam next month.
考试很难，但是我会努力的。
Kǎoshì hěn nán, dànshì wǒ huì nǔlì de.
The exam is hard, but I will work hard.
How to use 考试 in practice
考试 is a work & study item that is easiest to learn inside a complete sentence. Read it with the pinyin kǎoshì, then connect it to the meaning “exam / test” before trying to use it from memory. The examples on this page show the phrase in context: 下个月有HSK考试。 / 考试很难，但是我会努力的。.
When you practice 考试, do not stop at recognition. Say one example aloud, swap in a new person, place, object, or time word, and then use the phrase in a short answer. This turns a glossary entry into real Mandarin output and exposes word-order or pronunciation mistakes quickly.
Common learner mistake
A common learner mistake is to memorize 考试 only as “exam / test” and then translate word by word from English. Instead, learn the whole chunk with the words around it. Notice which nouns, verbs, measure words, or polite markers appear before and after the phrase, and copy that pattern in your own sentence.
Mini practice prompt
Practice prompt: open HSK 1 practice, start a short conversation, and use 考试 naturally in your first or second reply. If the sentence feels awkward, compare it with the examples above and try again with a smaller sentence.
Memory tip: review 考试 tomorrow by covering the English meaning, reading only kǎoshì, and producing a sentence before checking the examples. Active recall helps this word survive beyond one reading session.
Practice related pages
FAQ
How do you say "pass the exam"?
通过考试 means to pass. 考试及格 also means to get a passing grade.
How can I remember 考试 faster?
Say 考试 inside a full sentence, change one detail, and repeat it in a realistic prompt. The combination of sound, meaning, and context is stronger than memorizing the translation alone.
Can I use 考试 in conversation practice?
Yes. Start with the example sentence, then use 考试 in a short AI conversation so you can see whether the surrounding word order and tone feel natural.
Published by AI Chinese Coach