受験

じゅけん

taking an examination

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"受験" (じゅけん) specifically refers to the act of taking an examination, often used in contexts like school entrance exams or professional qualification tests. It is a noun that can be combined with verbs like "する" to form "受験する" meaning "to take an exam."

Common Contexts

This word is frequently used in educational settings, especially when discussing preparation for and participation in important exams such as university entrance exams (大学受験). It often appears in phrases related to study routines, exam stress, and exam results.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 受験勉強 (じゅけんべんきょう): studying for exams
  • 受験生 (じゅけんせい): examinee, student preparing for exams
  • 受験する: to take an exam
  • 受験票 (じゅけんひょう): exam admission ticket

Register and Nuance

The term is neutral and commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese. It is formal enough for academic and official contexts but also appears in everyday conversation among students and parents.

Common Learner Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse "受験" with "試験" (しけん), which means "exam" itself. Remember, "受験" focuses on the act of taking an exam, often a significant or formal one, whereas "試験" refers to the exam or test itself.

Example Sentences

かれはだいがくのにゅうがくしけんをじゅけんした。

He took the university entrance exam.

じゅけんべんきょうはまいにちかかさずにつづけている。

I study for exams every day without fail.

じゅけんせいはしけんとうじつにきんちょうしやすい。

Examinees tend to get nervous on the day of the exam.