试 (shì) - to test & to try

试Tone 4

shì ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 讠

上姝

试 · shì

to test;

to try;

to examine;

experiment;

examination;

test

to testto tryto examine

Usage highlights

to tryto testexaminationto try on clothesto experimentto taste

Synonyms

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Let me try this on (试穿).
  • We need to test the product (测试产品).
  • He is taking an exam (考试).
  • Please try using this method (试用这个方法).

Collocations

  • to try(试)
  • to test(测试)
  • examination(考试)
  • to try on clothes(试穿)
  • to experiment(试验)
  • to taste(尝试)

Idioms

  • Try riding a horse to see if it suits you(试骑看马)
  • Test the waters first(试水)
  • Put to the test(试金石)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In imperial China, 试 referred to civil service examinations (科举考试) that determined official appointments.
  • The character reflects the importance of testing and examination in Chinese educational and bureaucratic systems.
  • Modern usage extends to product testing, software trials, and academic examinations.

FAQ