What does 시험 mean?

시험 (si-heom, siheom)

시험 (siheom) means a test or exam. It's commonly used in schools and workplaces.

Korean word 시험 meaning test or exam

Definition & nuance

Core meaning and shades learners miss.

시험(si-heom, siheom)

시험 means a test or evaluation conducted to assess someone's ability or knowledge.

Nuances

  • Includes official evaluations like certifications and entrance exams, not just simple tests
  • Passing or failing is decided based on 시험 results
  • In daily talk, it can express stress or pressure

When to use

school, workplace, certification, studying

In context

시험 is a noun, commonly used with verbs like '보다' (to take) or '합격하다' (to pass). It fits both formal and everyday contexts.

Real-world examples

  • 내일 수학 시험이 있어요.

    nae-il su-hak si-heom-i iss-eo-yo., nae il su hak si heom i iss eo yo.

    '시험' correctly refers to a test in a specific subject.

  • 시험을 잘 봤어요.

    si-heom-eul jal bwass-eo-yo., si heom eul jal bwass eo yo.

    '시험을 보다' naturally means to take an exam.

  • 시험에 합격해서 기뻐요.

    si-heom-e hap-gyeok-hae-seo gi-ppeo-yo., si heom e hap gyeok hae seo gi ppeo yo.

    '시험에 합격하다' correctly means to pass an exam.

  • 오늘 시험을 준비해요.

    o-neul si-heom-eul jun-bi-hae-yo., o neul si heom eul jun bi hae yo.

    '시험을 준비하다' properly expresses preparing for an exam.

  • 시험은 재미있어요.

    si-heom-eun jae-mi-iss-eo-yo., si heom eun jae mi iss eo yo.

    Tests are evaluations, so calling them 'fun' is unnatural.

  • 시험을 먹었어요.

    si-heom-eul meok-eoss-eo-yo., si heom eul meok eoss eo yo.

    '시험을 먹다' is grammatically incorrect and nonsensical.

Quick quiz

  1. What does 시험 mean?

    시험이란 무엇인가요?(si-heom-i-ranmu-eos-in-ga-yo?, siheomiranmueosingayo?)
  2. Which sentence is correct?

    다음 중 올바른 문장은?(da-eumjungol-ba-reunmun-jang-eun?, daeumjungolbareunmunjangeun?)
  3. What does '시험에 합격하다' mean?

    시험에 합격하다의 뜻은?(si-heom-ehap-gyeok-ha-da-uitteus-eun?, siheomehapgyeokhadauitteuseun?)

More meaning guides

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