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A1 noun #3,203 most common 8 min read

入試

nyūshi Top 3,203

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 入試 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 入試 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should recognize '入試' (nyūshi) as a word related to school. You don't need to know all the complex types of exams, but you should understand that it means a 'big test' to get into a school. You will likely see it in basic readings about students or school life. Think of it as 'School Entrance Test.' It is a noun that you can use with simple verbs like 'あります' (there is) or 'うけます' (take). For example, 'あした、にゅうしがあります' (Tomorrow, there is an entrance exam). At this stage, just knowing that 'nyū' means 'enter' and 'shi' is part of 'test' is enough to help you remember its meaning. It is one of the first 'big' words you learn about Japanese culture because school is so important. You might also hear it in anime when characters are worried about their future. Just remember: Nyūshi = School Entry Test.

At the A2 level, you should be able to distinguish '入試' (nyūshi) from regular 'shiken' (exams). You should know that 'nyūshi' is a shortened form of 'nyūgaku shiken.' You can start using it in more descriptive sentences, such as '大学の入試はむずかしいです' (University entrance exams are difficult). You should also be familiar with the verb '受ける' (ukeru) to mean 'to take an exam.' At this level, you might also encounter related words like '合格' (gōkaku - passing) and '不合格' (fugōkaku - failing). You should understand that this word is specifically for schools—junior high, high school, or university. If you are talking about a Japanese language test like the JLPT, you should use 'shiken,' but for a school application, use 'nyūshi.' This distinction shows you are moving beyond basic vocabulary into more specific Japanese usage.

By the B1 level, you should understand the social implications of '入試' (nyūshi) in Japan. You should be able to discuss the 'nyūshi season' (January-February) and how it affects students' lives. You should be comfortable using compound nouns like '中学入試' (junior high entrance exam) or '推薦入試' (recommendation-based admission). You can use '入試' in complex sentences with particles like 'ために' (for the sake of) or 'のに' (despite). For example, '入試のために、毎日遅くまで勉強しています' (I study until late every day for the entrance exam). You should also know the difference between '入試' (the exam itself) and '受験' (the process of being an examinee). At B1, you can understand news snippets about exam trends and can explain your own educational background using these terms accurately.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '入試' and the various systems it involves. This includes '一般入試' (general exams), 'AO入試' (Admissions Office exams based on interviews/essays), and the '共通テスト' (Common Test). You should be able to discuss the 'nyūshi' system's pros and cons, such as the pressure of 'shiken jigoku' (exam hell) or the concept of 'rōnin' (students who fail and wait a year). Your vocabulary should include terms like '倍率' (bairitsu - competition ratio) and '偏差値' (hensachi - deviation value/score ranking). You can engage in debates about whether the 'nyūshi' system should be reformed. You should also be able to read articles about how the declining birthrate in Japan is changing the landscape of 'nyūshi' and making some universities easier to enter.

At the C1 level, you can analyze the '入試' system from a sociological and historical perspective. You understand how 'nyūshi' serves as a meritocratic tool but also reinforces social stratification. You are familiar with the history of the 'Center Test' transitioning to the 'Common Test' and the political reasons behind these changes. You can use academic terms like '選抜方法' (senbatsu hōhō - selection method) and '多様化' (tayōka - diversification) of entrance exams. You can understand high-level academic papers or editorials discussing the validity of 'nyūshi' as a predictor of future success. Your usage of the word is indistinguishable from a native speaker, and you can pick up on subtle puns or cultural references to 'nyūshi' in literature or sophisticated media.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of the '入試' concept, including its deep psychological impact on the Japanese psyche. You can discuss the 'nyūshi' system in the context of global educational trends and compare it to systems like the SAT in the US or the Gaokao in China. You are aware of the most recent ministerial changes and the technicalities of scoring systems. You can use the word in metaphorical senses or within highly technical legal and educational policy discussions. You can interpret the emotional weight of 'nyūshi' in contemporary Japanese cinema and literature, understanding the nuances of how failure or success in 'nyūshi' is portrayed as a life-defining event. You are also familiar with the slang and jargon used by 'jukensei' (examinees) and 'yobikō' (cram school) culture.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

入試 in 30 Seconds

Short for 'nyūgaku shiken' (entrance exam).
Used for school and university admissions.
A major cultural event in Japan during winter.
Commonly paired with the verb 'ukeru' (to take).

The Japanese word 入試 (nyūshi) is an indispensable term within the Japanese educational landscape. At its core, it is a compound noun formed by taking the first kanji of 入学 (nyūgaku - enrollment) and the first kanji of 試験 (shiken - examination). While the full term 入学試験 (nyūgaku shiken) is perfectly correct, the abbreviated version 入試 is what you will hear 90% of the time in daily conversation, news broadcasts, and school settings. It specifically refers to the competitive entrance examinations required for admission into junior high schools, high schools, and universities. Unlike a standard classroom test (tesuto) or a general exam (shiken), 入試 carries a heavy weight of finality and social significance. In Japan, the school one attends often determines one's future career path, making the 入試 season a period of extreme stress and national focus, often referred to as 'Exam Hell' (shiken jigoku).

Core Meaning: The specific competitive process of testing for school admission.
Temporal Context: Primarily used during the 'Exam Season' which typically peaks in January and February.
Social Weight: Seen as a rite of passage for Japanese youth, determining social standing and future employment prospects.

来週の入試のために、毎日10時間勉強しています。(I am studying 10 hours every day for next week's entrance exam.)

People use this word when discussing their academic goals, their children's progress, or when the media reports on national testing trends. It is not just about the test itself; it encompasses the entire ecosystem of preparation, including 'juku' (cram schools) and 'yobikō' (preparatory schools). When a student says they have 入試, they are signaling a high-stakes moment in their life. It is distinct from shiken because while you can have a 'shiken' for a driver's license or a mid-term, 入試 is strictly for entering an educational institution. The emotional resonance of the word includes anxiety, hope, and the collective memory of most Japanese adults who have gone through the same rigorous process.

今年の大学入試は例年より難しかったそうです。(I heard that this year's university entrance exams were more difficult than usual.)

Using 入試 (nyūshi) correctly requires understanding the verbs that typically accompany it. Unlike English where we 'take' or 'sit' an exam, in Japanese, the most common verb is 受ける (ukeru). To say 'I am taking an entrance exam,' you would say 入試を受ける (nyūshi o ukeru). If you pass, the verb is 合格する (gōkaku suru) or more simply 受かる (ukaru). Conversely, failing is 不合格になる (fugōkaku ni naru) or 落ちる (ochiru). These verb pairings are essential for sounding like a native speaker. The word functions primarily as a noun, but it can be modified by other nouns to specify the type of exam, such as 中学入試 (chūgaku nyūshi - junior high entrance exam) or 大学入試 (daigaku nyūshi - university entrance exam).

Taking the Exam: 入試を受ける (nyūshi o ukeru) - To take the entrance exam.
Passing the Exam: 入試に合格する (nyūshi ni gōkaku suru) - To pass the entrance exam.
Failing the Exam: 入試に落ちる (nyūshi ni ochiru) - To fail the entrance exam (literally 'to fall').

第一志望の大学の入試に合格しました！(I passed the entrance exam for my first-choice university!)

Grammatically, 入試 can also be used as a prefix for various administrative terms. For example, 入試要項 (nyūshi yōkō) refers to the application guidelines, and 入試科目 (nyūshi kamoku) refers to the subjects covered in the exam. When discussing the difficulty of a school, you might hear 入試の難易度 (nyūshi no nan'ido). Because the word is so common, it often appears in headlines without particles, such as 入試直前 (nyūshi chokuzen - just before the entrance exams). It is important to remember that 入試 is a formal noun, but it is used in both formal and casual settings because there is no casual equivalent for the concept of an entrance exam itself.

彼は入試の準備で忙しくて、最近遊んでいません。(He is busy with entrance exam prep and hasn't been hanging out lately.)

If you are in Japan during the winter months, you will hear the word 入試 (nyūshi) everywhere. It is a seasonal keyword that dominates the news cycle from January to March. On television, news anchors report on the number of applicants for the 'Common Test for University Admissions' (Kyōtsū Test), often showing footage of nervous students entering exam halls in the snow. In train stations, you will see advertisements for 'juku' (cram schools) promising to help students 'conquer the 入試.' Even at shrines, you will see thousands of 'ema' (wooden prayer tablets) written by students and parents praying for success in the 入試. This cultural phenomenon makes the word part of the collective national consciousness during the first quarter of the year.

In the Media: News reports on 'nyūshi season' and changes to the national testing system.
In Public Spaces: Posters for energy drinks or snacks (like Kit Kats) marketed as 'support' for students taking nyūshi.
In Families: Parents discussing schedules, fees, and the emotional state of their children preparing for nyūshi.

テレビで今年の入試の倍率が発表されました。(The competitive ratio for this year's entrance exams was announced on TV.)

In schools, teachers use the word constantly to motivate students. Phrases like 'This will be on the 入試!' are common tactics to ensure students pay attention. Among peers, students talk about which schools they are 'targeting' for their 入試. Even in the workplace, coworkers might mention that their son or daughter is 'in the middle of 入試,' which serves as a universal excuse for being stressed or needing time off. The word also appears in literature and anime, often as a dramatic climax where the protagonist's future is decided by a single day of testing. Understanding 入試 is key to understanding the pressures of Japanese youth culture.

駅の広告には「入試突破」という文字が並んでいます。(Characters saying 'Breakthrough the entrance exams' are lined up on station advertisements.)

The most frequent mistake English speakers make is using 入試 (nyūshi) to refer to any kind of test. For instance, if you have a weekly math quiz or a final exam for a semester, you should use 小テスト (shō-tesuto) or 定期試験 (teiki shiken), not 入試. Using 入試 for a regular class test would sound very strange to a Japanese person, as it implies you are trying to 'enter' the class rather than just being graded within it. Another common error is confusing 入試 with 受験 (juken). While they are related, 入試 is the noun for the 'exam' itself, while 受験 is the 'act of taking exams' as a process. You 'do' juken, but you 'take' a nyūshi.

Mistake: Overgeneralization: Using nyūshi for a mid-term exam. Correct word: 期末試験 (kimatsu shiken).
Mistake: Particle Confusion: Using 'o' with 'gōkaku'. Correct: 入試に合格する (Pass the exam).
Mistake: Misunderstanding 'Juken': Saying 'Nyūshi o suru' when you mean 'to be an examinee'. Correct: 受験する.

❌ 明日は漢字の入試があります。(Tomorrow is a Kanji entrance exam - wrong if it's just a class quiz.)

Additionally, learners sometimes struggle with the nuance of 合格 (gōkaku) vs 受かる (ukaru). Gōkaku is more formal and used in official documents, while ukaru is what you'd say to your friends. Also, be careful with the word 浪人 (rōnin). A student who fails their 入試 and waits a year to retake it is called a 'rōnin.' Some learners mistakenly call any student who fails a test a 'rōnin,' but it specifically applies to the gap year between 入試 attempts. Finally, ensure you don't confuse 入試 with 入学式 (nyūgakushiki), which is the entrance ceremony. You must pass the 入試 before you can attend the 入学式!

✅ 明日は定期試験があります。(Tomorrow there is a regular exam.)

To fully master the vocabulary surrounding Japanese education, you must understand how 入試 (nyūshi) compares to similar terms. The most direct synonym is 入学試験 (nyūgaku shiken), which is simply the long-form version. You should use the long form in academic papers or highly formal speeches, while 入試 is better for daily conversation. Another critical word is 受験 (juken). While 入試 is the 'exam,' 受験 refers to the 'act of taking' the exam. For example, a student in their final year of high school is called a 受験生 (jukensei), not a 'nyūshisei.' This distinction is vital: 入試 is the object, 受験 is the action or the state of being an examinee.

入試 vs. 試験 (Shiken): Shiken is any test (JLPT, driving, mid-terms). Nyūshi is only for school entry.
入試 vs. 受験 (Juken): Nyūshi is the test paper/event. Juken is the student's activity/status.
入試 vs. 検定 (Kentei): Kentei is a certification exam (like Kanji Kentei). Nyūshi is for institutional admission.

入試は来月ですが、私の受験勉強は一年前から始まりました。(The entrance exam is next month, but my exam-taking study started a year ago.)

There are also specific types of 入試. For instance, 推薦入試 (suisen nyūshi) refers to admission by recommendation, which usually involves an interview and an essay rather than a standard written test. There is also 一般入試 (ippan nyūshi), which is the standard general entrance exam that most students take. In recent years, the term 共通テスト (kyōtsū tesuto) has become common, referring to the standardized national test that serves as the first stage of university 入試. Understanding these variations helps you navigate the complex world of Japanese education. While 'test' or 'exam' are the English equivalents, the word 入試 carries a specific cultural weight that 'exam' doesn't always convey in English-speaking countries.

推薦入試で合格したので、もう安心です。(I passed through the recommendation entrance exam, so I'm relieved now.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The concept of competitive entrance exams was heavily influenced by the Chinese Imperial Examination system (Keju), though the modern Japanese version was developed in the Meiji era.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /njuːʃi/

US /nuːʃi/

The stress is typically flat in Japanese (pitch accent), but in English loan-pronunciation, the 'nyu' is slightly emphasized.

Rhymes With

Sushi (寿司) Bushi (武士) Mushi (虫) Kushi (串) Hoshi (星) Toshi (都市) Yoshi (良し) Moshi (もし)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'nushi' (missing the 'y' sound).
Pronouncing 'shi' as 'see'.
Putting too much stress on the second syllable.
Shortening the 'nyū' sound.
Confusing the pitch accent with 'nushi' (owner).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The kanji are relatively simple (N4/N5 level), but the concept is advanced.

Writing 3/5

Writing '試' requires attention to stroke order and radicals.

Speaking 1/5

Very easy to pronounce as it follows standard Japanese phonemes.

Listening 1/5

Distinct sound, unlikely to be confused with other common words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

学校 (School) 試験 (Exam) 入る (To enter) 勉強 (Study) 学生 (Student)

Learn Next

合格 (Pass) 不合格 (Fail) 受験 (Taking an exam) 偏差値 (Deviation score) 願書 (Application)

Advanced

浪人 (Student waiting to retake exams) 滑り止め (Safety school) 共通テスト (Common Test) 記述式 (Description/Essay style)

Grammar to Know

Noun + のための + Noun

入試のための勉強 (Study for the sake of the entrance exam).

Noun + に + 合格する

入試に合格する (To pass the entrance exam).

Noun + を + 受ける

入試を受ける (To take the entrance exam).

Noun + 向きの + Noun

入試向きの参考書 (A reference book suitable for entrance exams).

Noun + 直前/直後

入試直前に風邪をひいた (I caught a cold right before the entrance exam).

Examples by Level

明日は大学の入試です。

Tomorrow is the university entrance exam.

Simple noun + desu sentence.

入試は難しいですか？

Is the entrance exam difficult?

Question form using the particle 'wa'.

入試のために勉強します。

I study for the entrance exam.

Using 'tame ni' to express purpose.

昨日、入試がありました。

There was an entrance exam yesterday.

Past tense of 'arimasu'.

入試を頑張ってください。

Please do your best on the entrance exam.

Polite imperative 'ganbatte kudasai'.

これは入試の本です。

This is a book for entrance exams.

Noun + no + Noun structure.

入試の日は寒いです。

The day of the entrance exam is cold.

Describing a specific day.

もうすぐ入試ですね。

The entrance exam is coming soon, isn't it?

Using the particle 'ne' for confirmation.

高校の入試を受けるつもりです。

I intend to take the high school entrance exam.

Using 'tsumori desu' for intention.

兄は入試に合格しました。

My older brother passed the entrance exam.

Using 'ni gōkaku suru' (pass).

入試の結果が心配です。

I am worried about the entrance exam results.

Noun 'kekka' (result).

入試の準備は大変です。

Preparing for the entrance exam is hard.

Adjective 'taihen' (tough/hard).

入試の前に、神社へ行きました。

Before the entrance exam, I went to a shrine.

Using 'mae ni' for 'before'.

彼は入試に落ちてしまいました。

Unfortunately, he failed the entrance exam.

Using 'te shimau' for regret/unfortunate events.

入試の科目は何ですか？

What are the subjects for the entrance exam?

Noun 'kamoku' (subject).

入試の願書を出しました。

I submitted the application for the entrance exam.

Noun 'gansho' (application form).

入試の倍率が高くて、驚きました。

I was surprised that the competition ratio for the entrance exam was so high.

Using 'te-form' for cause/reason.

推薦入試で決まったので、一安心です。

Since it was decided by recommendation exam, I'm relieved.

Using 'node' for reason.

入試直前は、体調管理が大切です。

Just before the entrance exam, managing your health is important.

Noun 'chokuzen' (just before).

入試の過去問を何度も解きました。

I solved past entrance exam questions many times.

Noun 'kakomon' (past questions).

入試のシステムが来年から変わるそうです。

I heard that the entrance exam system will change from next year.

Using 'sō desu' for hearsay.

入試当日は、忘れ物がないように注意してください。

On the day of the entrance exam, be careful not to forget anything.

Using 'yō ni' for purpose/advice.

入試会場には、保護者は入れません。

Parents cannot enter the entrance exam venue.

Potential form 'hairenai'.

入試の結果はインターネットで確認できます。

You can check the entrance exam results on the internet.

Using 'dekiru' for possibility.

日本の入試制度には、様々な問題点が指摘されています。

Various problems have been pointed out in the Japanese entrance exam system.

Passive voice 'shiteki sarete iru'.

入試の難易度は、大学によって大きく異なります。

The difficulty level of entrance exams varies greatly depending on the university.

Using 'ni yotte' (depending on).

彼は入試のプレッシャーに負けず、実力を発揮した。

He didn't give in to the pressure of the entrance exam and showed his true ability.

Using 'ni makezu' (without losing to).

入試要項を熟読し、必要な書類を揃えた。

I read the application guidelines carefully and gathered the necessary documents.

Compound verb 'jukudoku suru' (read carefully).

少子化の影響で、入試の形態が多様化している。

Due to the declining birthrate, the forms of entrance exams are diversifying.

Noun 'shōshika' (declining birthrate).

入試の偏差値だけが、学校の価値を決めるわけではない。

The entrance exam deviation score alone does not determine the value of a school.

Using 'wake de wa nai' (it doesn't mean that...).

入試に向けて、塾に通う生徒が急増している。

The number of students attending cram schools for entrance exams is rapidly increasing.

Using 'ni mukete' (towards/in preparation for).

入試の面接では、自分の考えを論理的に述べる必要がある。

In the entrance exam interview, it is necessary to state your thoughts logically.

Adverb 'ronriteki ni' (logically).

入試改革の是非を巡って、教育界で激しい論争が続いている。

Intense controversy continues in the education world over the pros and cons of entrance exam reform.

Using 'o megutte' (concerning/over).

入試における格差の問題は、社会全体の課題である。

The problem of disparity in entrance exams is a challenge for society as a whole.

Noun 'kakusa' (disparity/gap).

入試の得点開示を求める動きが、受験生の間で広がっている。

A movement to demand disclosure of entrance exam scores is spreading among examinees.

Noun 'tokuten kaiji' (score disclosure).

入試問題の漏洩は、公平性を著しく損なう重大な不祥事だ。

The leakage of entrance exam questions is a serious scandal that significantly damages fairness.

Adverb 'ichijirushiku' (remarkably/significantly).

入試の選抜基準が不透明であるとの批判が相次いだ。

There was a succession of criticisms that the selection criteria for entrance exams were opaque.

Using 'to no' to quote a criticism.

入試のプレッシャーが若者のメンタルヘルスに及ぼす影響は無視できない。

The impact of entrance exam pressure on the mental health of young people cannot be ignored.

Using 'ni oyobosu' (to exert/have an effect on).

入試の形式が知識偏重から思考力重視へとシフトしつつある。

The format of entrance exams is shifting from an emphasis on knowledge to an emphasis on thinking skills.

Using 'tsutsu aru' (to be in the process of).

入試の合格発表は、多くの受験生にとって人生の岐路となる。

The announcement of entrance exam results is a crossroads in life for many examinees.

Noun 'kiro' (crossroads).

入試という制度が、日本の教育における画一性を助長している側面は否めない。

It cannot be denied that the system of entrance exams encourages uniformity in Japanese education.

Using 'sokumen wa inamenai' (aspect cannot be denied).

入試におけるジェンダーバイアスの是正は、喫緊の課題である。

Correcting gender bias in entrance exams is an urgent issue.

Adjective 'kikkin' (urgent).

入試のあり方は、その国の目指すべき人材像を如実に反映している。

The nature of entrance exams clearly reflects the ideal image of human resources that a country aims for.

Adverb 'nyojitsu ni' (vividly/clearly).

入試を単なる選抜の手段ではなく、学習の動機付けとして再定義する試みがなされている。

Attempts are being made to redefine entrance exams not just as a means of selection, but as a motivation for learning.

Using 'de wa naku' (not A but B).

入試のデジタル化に伴い、不正行為の防止策も高度化が求められている。

With the digitalization of entrance exams, measures to prevent cheating are also required to become more sophisticated.

Using 'ni tomonai' (along with).

入試の合否が個人のアイデンティティ形成に及ぼす深層心理的影響を考察する。

We will consider the deep psychological impact that passing or failing an entrance exam has on the formation of personal identity.

Noun 'gōhi' (pass/fail).

入試の過度な競争は、教育の本来の目的を形骸化させる恐れがある。

Excessive competition in entrance exams threatens to make the original purpose of education a mere formality.

Verb 'keigaika saseru' (to make a mere shell).

入試制度の変遷を辿ることで、近代日本の社会構造の変容を浮き彫りにできる。

By tracing the transition of the entrance exam system, we can highlight the transformation of modern Japanese social structure.

Using 'o ukibori ni dekiru' (to throw into relief).

Synonyms

入学試験受験試験選抜試験考査

Antonyms

卒業退学

Common Collocations

入試を受ける

入試に合格する

入試に落ちる

入試対策

入試科目

入試要項

入試シーズン

入試倍率

入試直前

入試会場

Common Phrases

入試突破

— Breaking through or passing the entrance exam. Often used in motivational contexts.

入試突破を目指して頑張ろう！

第一志望入試

— The entrance exam for one's top-choice school.

第一志望入試まであと一週間だ。

一般入試

— The general entrance examination taken by most students.

一般入試の願書を提出した。

二次入試

— The second round of entrance exams, often held by public universities.

二次入試の対策を始める。

センター入試

— The old name for the national standardized test (now Kyōtsū Test).

昔はセンター入試と呼ばれていた。

推薦入試

— Entrance exam based on school recommendation.

推薦入試で早めに合格が決まった。

入試休み

— Days off for current students while their school holds entrance exams for applicants.

入試休みで学校が休みだ。

入試問題

— The questions on an entrance exam.

今年の入試問題は傾向が変わった。

入試結果

— The results of the entrance exam.

入試結果が出るまで落ち着かない。

入試相談

— Consultation regarding entrance exams.

先生に入試相談に乗ってもらう。

Often Confused With

入試 vs 入学式

Nyūgakushiki is the ceremony AFTER you pass the nyūshi.

入試 vs 受験

Juken is the broader process/act; Nyūshi is the specific exam event.

入試 vs 定期試験

Teiki shiken are regular school exams; Nyūshi is for admission only.

Idioms & Expressions

"試験地獄"

— Exam Hell. The period of intense competition and stress during entrance exams.

日本の受験生は試験地獄を経験する。

Common

"サクラサク"

— The cherry blossoms bloom. A traditional telegram code meaning 'You passed the exam.'

合格発表の日、彼に『サクラサク』というメッセージを送った。

Traditional

"サクラチル"

— The cherry blossoms fall. A traditional code meaning 'You failed the exam.'

残念ながら結果は『サクラチル』だった。

Traditional

"滑り止め"

— A 'safety school' exam taken to ensure admission if one fails their top choice.

滑り止めの入試を受けておく。

Colloquial

"背水の陣"

— Fighting with one's back to the river. Used when a student has no safety schools left.

最後の入試に背水の陣で挑む。

Literary

"一発勝負"

— A one-shot deal. Referring to the fact that nyūshi often depends on a single day.

入試は一発勝負だから緊張する。

Common

"狭き門"

— A narrow gate. Referring to a very competitive entrance exam.

あの大学の入試はかなりの狭き門だ。

Metaphorical

"追い込みをかける"

— To put in a final spurt of effort just before the exam.

入試直前に追い込みをかける。

Common

"筆記試験"

— Written exam. The most common part of a nyūshi.

入試は筆記試験と面接がある。

Formal

"門前払い"

— Being turned away at the gate. Used if one's scores are too low to even apply.

偏差値が足りず、入試で門前払いされた。

Idiomatic

Easily Confused

入試 vs 試験 (Shiken)

Both mean 'exam'.

Shiken is general (any test). Nyūshi is specific to entering a school. You wouldn't call a blood test a 'nyūshi'.

血液試験 (Blood test) vs 大学入試 (University entrance exam).

入試 vs テスト (Tesuto)

Both mean 'test'.

Tesuto is informal and usually for smaller, less important quizzes. Nyūshi is a life-changing event.

単語テスト (Vocab quiz) vs 高校入試 (High school entrance exam).

入試 vs 検定 (Kentei)

Both are formal exams.

Kentei gives you a certificate of level (like N1). Nyūshi gives you a seat in a school.

漢検 (Kanji exam) vs 入試 (Entrance exam).

入試 vs 模試 (Moshi)

Both are related to entrance exams.

Moshi is a 'mock' or practice entrance exam. Nyūshi is the real thing.

模試でA判定だったが、本番の入試で落ちた。(I got an A on the mock exam but failed the real entrance exam.)

入試 vs 選考 (Senkō)

Both involve picking candidates.

Senkō is a broader term for 'selection' and is often used in job hiring. Nyūshi is academic.

書類選考 (Document screening) vs 入試 (Entrance exam).

Sentence Patterns

[School] の入試があります。

大学の入試があります。

[School] の入試を受けます。

高校の入試を受けます。

入試のために [Action]。

入試のために塾に通います。

入試に [Result]。

入試に合格しました。

入試の結果、[Outcome]。

入試の結果、第一志望に入学できた。

入試に向けて [Preparation]。

入試に向けて過去問を解く。

入試における [Problem/Topic]。

入試における格差が問題だ。

入試制度の [Reform/History]。

入試制度の抜本的な改革が必要だ。

Word Family

Nouns

入学 (nyūgaku - enrollment)

試験 (shiken - exam)

受験生 (jukensei - examinee)

願書 (gansho - application)

Verbs

入学する (nyūgaku suru - to enter school)

試験する (shiken suru - to test)

受験する (juken suru - to take an exam)

大学 (university)

高校 (high school)

合格 (pass)

不合格 (fail)

塾 (cram school)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high during winter months; moderate during other times.

Common Mistakes

Using 'nyūshi' for the JLPT. → JLPTの試験 (JLPT no shiken).
Nyūshi is only for institutional admission (schools).
Saying 'Nyūshi o gōkaku suru'. → 入試に合格する (Nyūshi ni gōkaku suru).
Gōkaku suru takes the particle 'ni', not 'o'.
Using 'nyūshi' for a weekly math quiz. → 数学の小テスト (Sūgaku no shō-tesuto).
Nyūshi is too big and important for a small quiz.
Confusing 'nyūshi' with 'nyūgaku'. → 入試は難しい (The exam is hard) vs 入学は嬉しい (Enrollment is happy).
Nyūshi is the test; Nyūgaku is the act of entering the school after passing.
Calling yourself a 'nyūshisei'. → 受験生 (Jukensei).
The person taking the exam is always called a jukensei.

Tips

Learn the pairs

Always learn 'nyūshi' with 'ukeru' (take), 'gōkaku' (pass), and 'ochiru' (fail). These are fixed sets.

Seasonal Word

Treat 'nyūshi' as a winter word. Using it in February sounds very natural; using it in August sounds like you're talking about the future or the past.

Radical check

The kanji 試 has the 'words' radical. Remember that a test is where you show your 'words' (knowledge).

Be precise

Don't say 'shiken' if you mean 'nyūshi'. It shows you understand the unique Japanese school system.

Identify the level

Listen for prefixes like 'daigaku' or 'kōkō' to know which school level the 'nyūshi' is for.

Compound Power

You can make almost any school-related word by adding 'nyūshi' as a prefix or suffix.

Supportive phrases

If someone is taking a 'nyūshi', say 'Ganbatte' or 'O-tsukaresama'. It's a major life event.

Not for jobs

Don't use 'nyūshi' for job interviews. Use 'saio shiken' (recruitment exam) or 'men'setsu' (interview).

Abbreviation logic

Remember NYŪ(gaku) + SHI(ken) = NYŪSHI. Abbreviation is common in Japanese (like 'pasokon').

Venue matters

The word 'nyūshi kaijō' is very common. 'Kaijō' means venue. Know where your nyūshi is!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'NEW' (nyū) students taking a 'SHEET' (shi) of paper for a test. NEW-SHEET = NYŪSHI.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant gate (Entrance) with a giant test paper blocking it. You must solve the paper to open the gate.

Word Web

School Gate Pencil Anxiety Success Winter Study Future

Challenge

Try to say 'Nyūshi o ukeru' five times fast without tripping over the 'sh' and 'u' sounds.

Word Origin

The word is a 'kango' (Sino-Japanese word) formed by combining 'nyū' (enter) and 'shi' (test). It is a modern abbreviation of 'nyūgaku shiken'.

Original meaning: Examination for the purpose of entering a school.

Japanese (Sino-Japanese roots).

Cultural Context

Be sensitive when asking Japanese people about their 'nyūshi' results, as failing is a common source of deep shame and trauma for some.

Unlike the US (SAT/ACT) or UK (A-levels) where exams are standardized across the country, many Japanese universities create their own unique 'nyūshi' papers, requiring students to study specific styles for each school.

Dragon Zakura (Manga/Drama about passing the Tokyo University nyūshi) Kit Kat 'Kitto Katsu' campaign Dazaifu Tenmangu (The shrine for the god of learning, famous for nyūshi prayers)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Cram School (Juku)

入試対策をしましょう。
入試の過去問です。
入試まであと百日です。
入試の傾向が変わりました。

At Home

入試、頑張ってね。
入試の結果はどうだった？
入試の願書は出したの？
入試会場まで送っていくよ。

At High School

大学入試の相談をしたいです。
入試休みは何をする？
入試科目に数学はありますか？
推薦入試を目指しています。

In the News

大学入試センター試験が始まりました。
今年の入試倍率が発表されました。
入試での不正行為が発覚しました。
入試改革が議論されています。

At a Shrine

入試合格祈願に来ました。
絵馬に入試合格と書く。
入試のお守りを買う。
入試がうまくいきますように。

Conversation Starters

"今年の大学入試はいつから始まりますか？ (When do this year's university entrance exams start?)"

"入試のためにどんな準備をしていますか？ (What kind of preparation are you doing for the entrance exam?)"

"日本の入試制度についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about the Japanese entrance exam system?)"

"第一志望の入試は難しかったですか？ (Was the entrance exam for your first choice difficult?)"

"入試の結果はいつ分かりますか？ (When will the entrance exam results be known?)"

Journal Prompts

もし自分が日本の入試を受けるなら、どの科目を一番勉強しますか？ (If you were taking a Japanese entrance exam, which subject would you study the most?)

入試のプレッシャーに勝つための方法を書いてください。 (Write about ways to overcome entrance exam pressure.)

あなたの国の入試制度と日本の入試制度の違いを説明してください。 (Explain the differences between your country's entrance exam system and Japan's.)

入試に合格した時の気持ちを想像して書いてください。 (Imagine and write about how you would feel when passing an entrance exam.)

「入試は人生を決める」という考えに賛成ですか、反対ですか？ (Do you agree or disagree with the idea that 'entrance exams decide your life'?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'Nyūshi' is the noun for the exam itself (the paper, the event). 'Juken' is the act of taking exams. You are a 'jukensei' (examinee) because you are 'juken-ing' for a 'nyūshi'.

It typically starts in January with the national 'Common Test' and continues through February for private and public university exams. High school exams are usually in February or March.

No. For the JLPT, use 'shiken' or 'nōryoku shiken'. 'Nyūshi' is only for entering a school or university.

The most common verb is 'ukeru' (to receive/take). Example: 'Nyūshi o ukeru'.

It is a standard word used in both polite and casual Japanese. The most formal version is 'nyūgaku shiken'.

Yes. Adults applying to university or grad school take 'nyūshi', often called 'shakaijin nyūshi' (adult entrance exams).

It means 'Recommendation Entrance Exam.' It's a way to get into a school based on your high school's recommendation and an interview rather than a hard written test.

Because 'Kit Kat' sounds like 'Kitto Katsu' in Japanese, which means 'You will surely win' or 'You will surely pass'.

It refers to the period of extreme study and stress students go through to pass 'nyūshi' for top schools.

No, it is used for junior high, high school, and university admissions.