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A2 noun 11 min read

考试题

kaoshiti

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 考试题 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 考试题 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn about school and study vocabulary. You might not use the full word '考试题' (kǎoshì tí) yet, but you will know '考试' (kǎoshì) which means 'test' or 'exam.' At this stage, you should understand that '题' (tí) refers to a 'question' on a paper. You might hear your teacher say '看这道题' (Look at this question). You will likely use simple verbs like '做' (zuò - to do) with it. For example, '我做题' (I do questions). The focus is on recognizing the word when you see it on your own homework or simple quizzes. You should know that it is a noun and that it relates to school life. You might also learn the word '问题' (wèntí) first, but your teacher will soon show you that '考试题' is specifically for tests. It is a very useful word because you will encounter it every time you have a Chinese class assessment.

At the A2 level, you can begin to use '考试题' (kǎoshì tí) in full sentences. You should be able to describe the questions using simple adjectives like '难' (nán - hard) or '容易' (róngyì - easy). This is the stage where you learn that the correct measure word is '道' (dào). You might say '这道考试题很难' (This exam question is very hard). You are also starting to distinguish between different types of school activities, so you know that '考试题' is for a formal test, while '练习题' (liànxí tí) is for practice or homework. You can ask basic questions about exams, such as '考试题多吗？' (Are there many exam questions?). Understanding this word helps you follow classroom instructions better and communicate your feelings about your studies to your teacher or classmates. You are building the foundation for more academic discussions in the future.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '考试题' (kǎoshì tí) in more complex sentence structures. You can use it with resultative complements, like '我做完了考试题' (I have finished doing the exam questions). You will also start to encounter variations like '考题' or '试题' in reading materials. At this stage, you are expected to understand the context of standardized exams like the HSK. You might discuss your preparation strategies, such as '我每天练习五十道考试题' (I practice fifty exam questions every day). You also begin to learn about specific question types, such as '选择题' (multiple choice) or '填空题' (fill in the blank). Your vocabulary is expanding to include related verbs like '出题' (to set questions) or '改题' (to grade questions). You can now talk about the content of the questions, not just their difficulty.

At the B2 level, your understanding of '考试题' (kǎoshì tí) moves beyond simple classroom usage into a more nuanced appreciation of its role in society. You can discuss the fairness or design of exam questions. For example, '这些考试题是否能真实反映学生的能力？' (Do these exam questions truly reflect the students' abilities?). You will likely encounter this word in news reports, educational blogs, and more formal academic texts. You should be familiar with the 'Gaokao' culture and how '考试题' are a major topic of national conversation in China. You can use formal collocations like '命制考试题' (to formulate exam questions) or '泄露考试题' (to leak exam questions). Your ability to use synonyms like '试题' or '题目' appropriately based on the register of the conversation or writing is also expected at this level.

At the C1 level, you are capable of analyzing the linguistic and pedagogical structure of '考试题' (kǎoshì tí). You might discuss the 'ambiguity' (歧义) of a question or the 'logic' (逻辑) behind a particular set of questions. You can read high-level critiques of the examination system where '考试题' are analyzed for their cultural bias or their alignment with national curriculum standards. You understand the subtle differences between '真题' (real past questions), '模拟题' (mock questions), and '押题' (predicted questions). You can use the word in professional contexts, such as describing the certification requirements for a job or the technical challenges of a rigorous entrance exam. Your use of the word is precise, and you can transition between formal and informal registers seamlessly when discussing the topic of examinations.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of the word '考试题' (kǎoshì tí) and its cultural implications. You can engage in deep philosophical debates about the 'test-oriented education' (应试教育) system in China and the role that '考试题' play in shaping the psyche of students. You can interpret the literary or metaphorical use of the word in essays or speeches. You are familiar with historical contexts, such as how modern '考试题' evolved from the 'eight-legged essays' of the imperial past. You can write sophisticated reports or academic papers on educational assessment where '考试题' is a core technical term. Your mastery allows you to understand puns, cultural references, and complex social commentary involving exams and their questions. You are essentially fluent in the 'language of the exam' that is so central to Chinese society.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

考试题 in 30 Seconds

A formal term for a question on a test or exam.
Composed of '考试' (exam) and '题' (question/problem).
Requires the measure word '道' (dào) when counting.
Central to Chinese academic culture and standardized testing.

The Chinese term 考试题 (kǎoshì tí) is a compound noun that translates literally to 'examination questions.' It is composed of three characters: kǎo (to examine), shì (to test), and tí (topic/question). In the context of Chinese education, which is famously rigorous and centered around high-stakes testing, this word carries a weight that goes beyond a simple classroom inquiry. It refers specifically to the individual items or the collective set of questions found on a formal assessment. Whether you are a primary school student facing a weekly quiz or a high school senior preparing for the life-altering Gaokao (National College Entrance Exam), the 考试题 is the central object of focus. People use this word when discussing the difficulty of a test, when reviewing answers after an exam, or when teachers are in the process of designing an evaluation. It is a neutral, formal term used in academic settings, tutoring centers, and educational policy discussions.

Linguistic Breakdown: The word is often shortened to 考题 (kǎotí) or 试题 (shìtí) in more formal or written contexts, but 考试题 remains the most explicit and common way to refer to the questions in daily speech.

老师，这道考试题我看不懂。(Teacher, I don't understand this exam question.)

In Chinese culture, the 'culture of the exam' is deeply rooted in the history of the Imperial Examination system, which determined social status for centuries. Consequently, 考试题 are not just questions; they are perceived as challenges to be conquered through hard work and repetitive practice. When a student says they are 'doing questions' (zuò tí), they are usually referring to practicing these exam items. The term is also used metaphorically in some contexts to describe a difficult 'test' in life, though '考验' (kǎoyàn) is more common for life's trials. In a professional setting, it might refer to certification exam questions or technical interview problems.

这次的数学考试题比上次容易多了。(This time the math exam questions are much easier than last time.)

Synonym Distinction: While 问题 (wèntí) means 'question' or 'problem' in a general sense, it is rarely used to refer to a specific item on a test paper. 考试题 is more technical and specific to the evaluation environment.

The word is frequently paired with adjectives describing difficulty, such as 难 (nán - hard), 容易 (róngyì - easy), 复杂 (fùzá - complex), or 刁钻 (diāozuān - tricky/cunning). In the digital age, 考试题 are often found in 'question banks' (tíkù), which are online databases where students can find thousands of past exam items to practice. This has led to a specific type of study culture known as tíhǎi zhànshù (the 'sea of questions' tactic), where students solve endless exam questions to ensure they are prepared for any possibility. Thus, the word is central to the vocabulary of any student or educator in the Chinese-speaking world.

为了准备考试，他已经做了五百道考试题。(To prepare for the exam, he has already done five hundred exam questions.)

Using 考试题 correctly requires an understanding of Chinese sentence structure and the appropriate measure words. As a noun, it typically functions as the object of a verb or the subject of a descriptive clause. The most important grammatical rule to remember is the use of 道 (dào) as the classifier. Using 个 (gè) is technically understandable but sounds informal and less precise in an academic context. For example, 'three exam questions' should be '三道考试题' (sān dào kǎoshì tí).

Verb Pairings: Common verbs that take 考试题 as an object include: 做 (zuò - to do), 出 (chū - to set/create), 改 (gǎi - to grade/correct), and 分析 (fēnxī - to analyze).

老师正在为下周的期末考试出考试题。(The teacher is currently setting the exam questions for next week's final exam.)

When describing the nature of the questions, you often use the 'Adjective + 的 + 考试题' structure. For instance, 'difficult exam questions' is '难的考试题' (nán de kǎoshì tí). If you want to specify the subject, you place the subject before the word: '英语考试题' (English exam questions), '历史考试题' (history exam questions), etc. This allows for very specific communication about academic requirements.

这些考试题覆盖了书本上所有的重点。(These exam questions cover all the key points in the book.)

In more advanced usage, 考试题 can be part of a topic-comment structure. For example, '考试题，我都做完了' (As for the exam questions, I have finished them all). This is a very natural way to speak in Mandarin, emphasizing the object of the action. Another common pattern involves asking about the quantity of questions: '这次考试有多少道考试题？' (How many exam questions are there on this exam?).

最后一道考试题往往是最难的。(The last exam question is often the most difficult.)

Common Adverbs: Adverbs like 太 (too), 非常 (very), or 挺 (quite) are used with adjectives to describe the questions. Example: '考试题挺简单的' (The exam questions are quite simple).

Finally, consider the context of 'leaking' exam questions, which is a serious matter in China. The phrase 泄露考试题 (xièlù kǎoshì tí) is something you might hear in news reports or school warnings. This highlights the formal and secure nature of the term compared to a simple 'question' in a textbook or a casual conversation.

严禁私自复印或传阅考试题。(It is strictly forbidden to privately photocopy or circulate exam questions.)

You will encounter the word 考试题 in a variety of real-world scenarios, primarily within the educational ecosystem of mainland China, Taiwan, and Singapore. The most common location is, unsurprisingly, the classroom. Teachers will use it when handing out papers or when reviewing material: '大家请看第一道考试题' (Everyone, please look at the first exam question). It is also the staple of 'after-school tutoring' (bǔxíbān), where tutors analyze past 考试题 to predict future trends.

On Social Media: On platforms like Weibo or Xiaohongshu, students frequently post photos or complaints about 'diabolical' exam questions. Hashtags like #高考考试题# (Gaokao Exam Questions) trend every June, where the entire nation discusses the difficulty of the year's essay prompts or math problems.

网上的这些考试题有很多错误，你要小心。(There are many errors in these exam questions online; you should be careful.)

In the media, you might hear this word during educational documentaries or news broadcasts reporting on standardized tests like the HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) for foreign learners. News anchors might say: '今年的HSK六级考试题难度有所增加' (The difficulty of this year's HSK Level 6 exam questions has increased slightly). This usage is very formal and precise. Furthermore, in bookstores, you will see entire sections dedicated to kǎoshì tíjiě (explanations of exam questions), which are study guides that break down the logic behind each item.

这本辅导书里收集了近十年的历年考试题。(This supplementary book collects exam questions from the past ten years.)

Beyond the academic sphere, you might hear it in workplace settings that require professional licensing. For example, a prospective lawyer studying for the National Unified Legal Professional Qualification Examination will spend their nights poring over fǎlü kǎoshì tí (law exam questions). Even in driving schools, students study jiàzhào kǎoshì tí (driver's license exam questions) on mobile apps. The word is ubiquitous because the 'testing culture' permeates so many aspects of life in Chinese-speaking regions.

我听说这次的面试也有笔试，会有很多专业考试题。(I heard this interview also includes a written test with many professional exam questions.)

Digital Context: In the age of AI, you might hear people discussing how 'AI can now solve complex 考试题', referring to the capabilities of large language models in academic contexts.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing 考试题 with 问题 (wèntí). In English, the word 'question' is used for both a query in a conversation and an item on a test. In Chinese, however, 问题 is primarily for 'a question someone asks' or 'a problem that needs solving.' If you say '我有三道考试题' (I have three exam questions), it means you are looking at a test paper. If you say '我有三个问题' (I have three questions), it usually means you want to ask the teacher something about the lesson. Mixing these up can lead to confusion about whether you are struggling with the test material or just have a general inquiry.

Measure Word Error: As mentioned before, using 个 (gè) instead of 道 (dào) is a common 'foreign' sounding mistake. While not grammatically 'wrong' in the strictest sense, it lacks the formal precision expected when talking about exams. Always try to use 道.

Incorrect: 我做完了十个考试题。
Correct: 我做完了十道考试题。

Another mistake is the redundancy of using 考试 (kǎoshì) and 题 (tí) when the context is already clear. In a natural conversation between students who are already talking about an exam, they will usually just say 题. Forcing the full three-character word 考试题 in every sentence can make your speech sound like a textbook rather than a person. However, as a learner at the A2 level, using the full word is a safe way to ensure you are understood before you develop the intuition for when to shorten it.

Don't say: 考试的考试题 (Exam's exam questions).
Say: 考试题 or 考题.

Learners also sometimes confuse 考试 (kǎoshì - the event) with 考试题 (kǎoshì tí - the content). You cannot 'difficult' an exam, but the 考试题 can be difficult. If you say '考试很题' (Exam is very question), it is nonsensical. You must distinguish between the noun for the event and the noun for the items within the event. Also, be careful with the verb 问 (wèn - to ask). You don't 'ask' an exam question in the way you ask a person; you 做 (zuò - do/solve) it or 回答 (huídá - answer) it.

Common confusion: Is it '练习题' or '考试题'? Use '练习题' for homework/practice and '考试题' for the actual test items.

To sound more like a native speaker, it is helpful to know the various synonyms and related terms for 考试题. While this word is a great 'all-rounder,' different contexts call for different nuances. For example, 考题 (kǎotí) is the most common abbreviated form, used frequently in both speech and writing. It feels slightly more efficient and is the go-to word for most students and teachers.

Comparison Table

试题 (shìtí): Very formal, often used in official documents or on the cover of test papers.
题目 (tímù): A broader term meaning 'topic' or 'title.' It can refer to an exam question, a book title, or a discussion topic.
练习题 (liànxí tí): Specifically refers to 'practice questions' or exercises in a textbook.
难题 (nántí): A 'difficult problem.' This can be an exam question or a difficult situation in life.

这套试题是由教育局统一命制的。(This set of exam questions was uniformly created by the Bureau of Education.)

Another interesting alternative is 原题 (yuántí), which refers to the 'original question.' This is often used when a student recognizes a question on an exam that they have seen before in a practice book: '这道题是练习册上的原题!' (This question is an original question from the workbook!). Then there is 真题 (zhēntí), which refers to 'real questions' from past official exams. Studying 真题 is considered the most effective way to prepare for major tests like the HSK or the SAT.

如果你想考好，就必须多做历年真题。(If you want to do well on the exam, you must do more past real exam questions.)

For specific types of questions, you might use 选择题 (xuǎnzé tí - multiple choice), 填空题 (tiánkòng tí - fill in the blanks), or 作文题 (zuòwén tí - essay question). These are all sub-categories of 考试题. Knowing these specific terms allows you to describe exactly which part of the exam you found difficult or easy. In informal slang, students might refer to a very difficult question as a 变态题 (biàntài tí), though this is quite informal and should be used with caution!

这次考试的选择题很多，但大题很少。(There are many multiple-choice questions in this exam, but few large [subjective] questions.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient China, '考试题' for the imperial exams were so secret that the people setting them were locked in a building called the 'Gongyuan' for weeks to prevent leaks.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kɑːu̯ ʂɨ̂ tʰǐ/

US /kaʊ ʃi ti/

In Chinese, each syllable has equal weight, but the tones provide the prosody. 'Kǎo' and 'shì' are often grouped, with a slight pause before 'tí'.

Rhymes With

题 (tí) rhymes with: 迷 (mí), 离 (lí), 骑 (qí), 泥 (ní), 提 (tí), 级 (jí), 急 (jí), 极 (jí).

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'shì' as 'si' (common for southern Chinese speakers and learners).
Mixing up the second tone of 'tí' with a fourth tone 'tì'.
Failing to perform the full third tone dip in 'kǎo'.
Pronouncing 'ti' like English 'tea' without the rising tone.
Confusing the 'sh' in 'shì' with a simple 's'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The characters are relatively simple, but '题' has many strokes.

Writing 3/5

Writing '题' correctly requires attention to the '页' radical.

Speaking 2/5

Tones are distinct and easy to distinguish with practice.

Listening 2/5

The word is very common in educational contexts and easy to pick out.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

考试 (Exam) 题 (Question) 做 (Do) 难 (Hard) 易 (Easy)

Learn Next

答案 (Answer) 分数 (Score) 及格 (Pass) 复习 (Review) 练习 (Practice)

Advanced

命题 (To set a topic) 解析 (Analysis) 超纲 (Exceeding the syllabus) 信度 (Reliability) 效度 (Validity)

Grammar to Know

Measure Words for Questions

使用 '道' (dào) 而不是 '个' (gè) 来计数考试题。

Adjective + 的 + Noun

难的考试题 (Difficult exam questions).

Resultative Complements

做完考试题 (To finish doing the exam questions).

Topic-Comment Structure

考试题，我都做对了。(As for the exam questions, I got them all right.)

Possessive Structure

考试题的难度 (The difficulty of the exam questions).

Examples by Level

这是考试题。

This is an exam question.

Simple Subject + Verb + Object structure.

考试题很难吗？

Are the exam questions hard?

Using '吗' to form a yes/no question.

我有三道题。

I have three questions.

'题' is used here as a shorthand for '考试题'.

老师，我不懂这道题。

Teacher, I don't understand this question.

Using the measure word '道'.

考试题在书里。

The exam questions are in the book.

Indicating location with '在'.

请做考试题。

Please do the exam questions.

Using '请' for a polite command.

考试题不难。

The exam questions are not hard.

Negation with '不'.

这是什么的考试题？

What are these exam questions for?

Using '什么的' to ask for category.

这道考试题非常容易。

This exam question is very easy.

Using the adverb '非常' for emphasis.

你要做完所有的考试题。

You need to finish all the exam questions.

Using '所有的' to mean 'all'.

昨天的考试题很有意思。

Yesterday's exam questions were very interesting.

Time word '昨天' used as an attribute.

这些考试题是谁出的？

Who set these exam questions?

The '是...的' construction for emphasis.

我正在看数学考试题。

I am currently looking at the math exam questions.

Using '正在' for continuous action.

考试题里有很多生词。

There are many new words in the exam questions.

Noun + '里' to indicate 'inside'.

这本练习册里有考试题。

There are exam questions in this workbook.

Existential sentence with '有'.

我不喜欢太难的考试题。

I don't like exam questions that are too hard.

Adjective + '的' modifying the noun.

为了通过考试，他每天练习很多考试题。

In order to pass the exam, he practices many exam questions every day.

Using '为了' to indicate purpose.

这次的考试题主要是选择题。

The exam questions this time are mainly multiple-choice questions.

Using '主要是' to indicate the main part.

老师正在讲解最后一道考试题。

The teacher is explaining the last exam question.

Verb '讲解' (to explain).

如果你没看清楚考试题，就很容易做错。

If you don't read the exam questions clearly, it's easy to make mistakes.

Conditional '如果...就...' structure.

这些考试题覆盖了前三个章节的内容。

These exam questions cover the content of the first three chapters.

Verb '覆盖' (to cover).

你觉得这次的考试题难度适中吗？

Do you think the difficulty of the exam questions this time is moderate?

Noun '难度' (difficulty).

他把考试题复印了一份。

He made a copy of the exam questions.

The '把' construction.

考试题的答案就在书的最后几页。

The answers to the exam questions are on the last few pages of the book.

Possessive '的' connecting nouns.

由于考试题泄露，学校不得不取消了这次考试。

Due to the leakage of exam questions, the school had to cancel the exam.

Using '由于' (due to) and '不得不' (have no choice but to).

这些考试题的设计旨在考察学生的逻辑思维能力。

The design of these exam questions aims to test students' logical thinking skills.

Using '旨在' (aimed at) and '考察' (to inspect/test).

历年考试题的分析显示，语法部分的比例正在下降。

Analysis of exam questions over the years shows that the proportion of the grammar section is decreasing.

Using '显示' (to show/display).

学生们普遍反映今年的考试题偏难。

Students generally reported that this year's exam questions were on the difficult side.

Using '普遍' (generally) and '偏' (inclined towards/somewhat).

即使你背下了所有的考试题，也不一定能拿高分。

Even if you memorize all the exam questions, you won't necessarily get a high score.

Concession structure '即使...也...'.

我们需要重新审视这些考试题的科学性。

We need to re-examine the scientific validity of these exam questions.

Using '审视' (to scrutinize).

除了课本知识，考试题还涉及了一些常识。

In addition to textbook knowledge, the exam questions also involve some common sense.

Using '除了...还...' (besides... also...).

他因为在网上分享考试题而被警告了。

He was warned for sharing exam questions online.

Passive structure with '被'.

该套考试题的信度和效度已经过专家组的严格论证。

The reliability and validity of this set of exam questions have been strictly argued by a panel of experts.

Technical terms '信度' (reliability) and '效度' (validity).

考试题中的歧义可能会误导考生，导致不公平的评价。

Ambiguities in exam questions may mislead candidates, leading to unfair evaluations.

Using '歧义' (ambiguity) and '误导' (mislead).

通过对历年考试题的纵向比较，我们可以发现教育政策的变迁。

Through a longitudinal comparison of exam questions over the years, we can discover changes in educational policy.

Using '纵向比较' (longitudinal comparison).

这道考试题巧妙地结合了跨学科的知识点。

This exam question skillfully combines interdisciplinary knowledge points.

Adverb '巧妙地' (skillfully).

命题组在编写考试题时，必须严格遵守保密协议。

The question-setting team must strictly abide by confidentiality agreements when writing exam questions.

Using '命题组' (question-setting group) and '保密协议' (NDA).

单纯依靠机械重复考试题的教学模式已难以适应现代教育的需求。

The teaching model that relies solely on mechanical repetition of exam questions can no longer adapt to the needs of modern education.

Using '难以适应' (difficult to adapt to).

部分考试题的设计过于死板，缺乏对学生创造力的考察。

The design of some exam questions is too rigid and lacks an assessment of students' creativity.

Using '死板' (rigid/stiff).

针对考试题的争议，官方发布了一份详尽的补充说明。

In response to the controversy over the exam questions, the authorities released a detailed supplementary explanation.

Using '针对' (in response to/aimed at).

这些考试题不仅是学术评估的工具，更是社会筛选机制的缩影。

These exam questions are not only tools for academic assessment but also a microcosm of the social screening mechanism.

Using '缩影' (microcosm) and '筛选机制' (screening mechanism).

对考试题的深度解构揭示了潜藏在教育评价体系背后的意识形态。

A deep deconstruction of exam questions reveals the ideology hidden behind the educational evaluation system.

Using '解构' (deconstruction) and '意识形态' (ideology).

在应试教育的重压下，考试题往往异化成了学生生活的全部。

Under the heavy pressure of test-oriented education, exam questions often alienate and become the entirety of students' lives.

Using '异化' (alienation/to alienate).

尽管考试题在不断变革，但其作为阶级流动阶梯的功能依然稳固。

Despite the constant changes in exam questions, their function as a ladder for social mobility remains stable.

Using '阶级流动' (social mobility).

通过对考试题修辞风格的研究，可以窥见当代知识分子的话语体系。

Through the study of the rhetorical style of exam questions, one can catch a glimpse of the discourse system of contemporary intellectuals.

Using '修辞风格' (rhetorical style) and '话语体系' (discourse system).

考试题的命制应当平衡标准化与个性化之间的张力。

The formulation of exam questions should balance the tension between standardization and personalization.

Using '张力' (tension).

针对考试题的批判性分析，有助于推动教育公平的实现。

Critical analysis of exam questions helps to promote the realization of educational equity.

Using '批判性分析' (critical analysis).

当考试题沦为资本逐利的工具时，教育的本真价值便受到了威胁。

When exam questions degenerate into tools for capital profit-seeking, the authentic value of education is threatened.

Using '沦为' (to degenerate into).

Common Collocations

一道考试题

出考试题

分析考试题

泄露考试题

难的考试题

历年考试题

数学考试题

英语考试题

修改考试题

考试题库

Common Phrases

这道题怎么做？

— How do you do this question? Common among students.

这道考试题怎么做？你能教我吗？

押中考试题

— To successfully predict an exam question. A common goal for tutors.

那个补习班老师竟然押中了今年的作文考试题。

死磕考试题

— To struggle persistently with a difficult question. Slangy.

他昨晚跟那道数学考试题死磕了两个小时。

考试题太偏

— The exam questions are too obscure or off-topic.

大家都抱怨这次的考试题出的太偏了。

刷考试题

— To grind or do a large volume of exam questions for practice.

为了考好HSK，我每天都在刷考试题。

考试题超纲

— The exam questions exceed the scope of the syllabus.

这道考试题超纲了，学生们都没学过。

机密考试题

— Confidential exam questions.

这些是尚未公开的机密考试题。

历年真题

— Real questions from past years. Often implies official exam questions.

复习时看历年真题非常有帮助。

大题

— Large, complex questions (usually subjective or multi-step).

考试题里最后那道大题占了二十分。

小题

— Small, simple questions (usually objective like multiple choice).

前面的小题我做得很快。

Often Confused With

考试题 vs 问题 (wèntí)

Wèntí is a general question or problem. Kǎoshì tí is specifically an item on an exam paper.

考试题 vs 练习题 (liànxí tí)

Liànxí tí are practice exercises; kǎoshì tí are formal exam items.

考试题 vs 课题 (kètí)

Kètí refers to a research project or a specific topic of study, not a test question.

Idioms & Expressions

"题海战术"

— The strategy of doing a vast 'sea' of questions to prepare for exams.

很多中国学生依靠题海战术来提高成绩。

Common

"大题小做"

— Treating a major problem as a minor one; or answering a complex question too simply.

这道考试题需要详细分析，你不能大题小做。

Idiomatic

"小题大做"

— To make a mountain out of a molehill; or to spend too much effort on a simple question.

这只是一道简单的考试题，你没必要小题大做。

Idiomatic

"文不对题"

— The essay/answer does not match the topic or question.

由于没看清考试题，他的回答完全是文不对题。

Formal

"金榜题名"

— To have one's name on the list of successful candidates (originally for imperial exams).

只要你认真做考试题，一定能金榜题名。

Literary

"借题发挥"

— To use a topic (or question) as a pretext to express one's own views.

他借着这道考试题，谈了很多关于社会公平的看法。

Common

"破题儿第一遭"

— Doing something for the very first time (referring to the 'opening' of an exam topic).

这是我破题儿第一遭见到这么奇怪的考试题。

Colloquial

"题名录"

— A list of names, often of those who passed an exam.

他在考试题名录上找到了自己的名字。

Formal

"切中题旨"

— To hit the main point of the question perfectly.

他的回答切中题旨，得到了满分。

Formal

"离题万里"

— To be miles away from the topic/question.

你的解释离题万里，完全没理解考试题的意思。

Colloquial

Easily Confused

考试题 vs 题目 (tímù)

Both refer to 'questions'.

Tímù is broader (titles, topics, questions). Kǎoshì tí is specific to tests.

这个作文题目很有趣。

考试题 vs 考卷 (kǎojuàn)

Both are related to exams.

Kǎojuàn is the entire exam paper; kǎoshì tí is an individual question on that paper.

他在考卷上写下了答案。

考试题 vs 试卷 (shìjuàn)

Similar to kǎojuàn.

Shìjuàn is the formal term for the test paper.

请把试卷传到前面来。

考试题 vs 考验 (kǎoyàn)

Both start with 'kǎo'.

Kǎoyàn is a 'trial' or 'test' of character/strength, not a written exam question.

这对他们来说是一个巨大的考验。

考试题 vs 疑问 (yíwèn)

Both relate to doubt/questions.

Yíwèn is a doubt or query in one's mind, not a structured test item.

我对这个结论还有一些疑问。

Sentence Patterns

这道考试题很[Adj]。

这道考试题很复杂。

我会/不会做这道考试题。

我不会做这道考试题。

为了准备考试，我做了很多考试题。

为了准备HSK，我做了很多考试题。

这次考试一共有[Number]道考试题。

这次考试一共有五十道考试题。

[Subject]考试题主要考查[Topic]。

数学考试题主要考查代数知识。

与其死记硬背考试题，不如理解知识点。

与其死记硬背考试题，不如理解背后的逻辑。

考试题的命制应遵循[Principle]。

考试题的命制应遵循公平性原则。

通过对考试题的分析，可以透视[Concept]。

通过对考试题的分析，可以透视当下的教育现状。

Word Family

Nouns

考试 (Exam)

题目 (Topic/Question)

考场 (Exam room)

考生 (Exam candidate)

考卷 (Exam paper)

Verbs

考 (To test)

试 (To try/test)

出题 (To set questions)

答题 (To answer questions)

审题 (To examine the question)

Adjectives

考究 (Refined/Elegant - related root)

试用 (Trial/Experimental)

练习 (Practice)

复习 (Review)

成绩 (Grade)

及格 (Pass)

满分 (Full marks)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in academic and student-related contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using '个' (gè) as a measure word. → 使用 '道' (dào).
'道' is the standard classifier for questions and problems in a formal or educational context.
Confusing '考试题' with '问题'. → Use '考试题' for test items and '问题' for questions you ask.
In English, 'question' covers both. In Chinese, the distinction between a 'test item' and an 'inquiry' is strict.
Saying '考试很题' (Exam is very question). → 考试题很难 (The exam questions are hard).
You cannot use '题' as an adjective. It is a noun.
Forgetting the '的' in '难考试题'. → 难的考试题.
When an adjective modifies a noun in Chinese, '的' is usually required, especially for two-syllable nouns.
Mixing up '考试题' and '考卷'. → Use '考试题' for the question and '考卷' for the paper.
One is the content, the other is the physical medium.

Tips

Use the Right Measure Word

Always use '道' (dào) when counting exam questions. Example: 三道考试题. This is a hallmark of a good Chinese learner.

Learn Question Types

Learn words like 选择题 (multiple choice) and 填空题 (fill in the blank) to be more specific when talking about exam questions.

Focus on '真题'

If you are preparing for a test like HSK, search for '历年真题' (past real questions) rather than just '考试题' for the best practice material.

Tone Accuracy

Ensure the fourth tone of 'shì' is sharp and falling, and the second tone of 'tí' is clearly rising to avoid confusion.

Stroke Order for '题'

The character '题' is complex. Practice the left side '是' first, then the right side '页'. Don't forget the dot at the bottom right.

Understand the Pressure

When Chinese friends talk about '考试题', they might be feeling stressed. Acknowledging that '考试题很难' can be a way to show empathy.

Shorten to '题'

In a fast-paced classroom setting, you can often drop '考试' and just say '这道题' if everyone knows you are looking at a test.

Contextual Listening

If you hear 'tí' in a library or school, assume it's an exam or practice question unless proven otherwise.

Avoid '考试的问题'

Don't say '考试的问题' (questions of the exam). It sounds translated from English. Use '考试题' or '考题' instead.

Use '命题'

If you want to talk about the *process* of creating questions, use the formal verb '命题' (mìngtí).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Kǎo' as 'K.O.' (Knock Out) - you want to knock out the 'shì' (test) by answering the 'tí' (questions).

Visual Association

Imagine a student with a sweat drop on their 'tí' (forehead) looking at a 'tí' (question) on a paper.

Word Web

考试题数学语文英语难易道做答案

Challenge

Try to write a sentence using '考试题' and its measure word '道' to describe your most recent test.

Word Origin

The word is a modern compound. '考' (kǎo) originally meant 'old' but evolved to mean 'examine' or 'verify'. '试' (shì) means 'to test' or 'to try'. '题' (tí) originally meant 'forehead' but shifted to mean 'title' or 'subject' because titles were placed at the 'head' of a document.

Original meaning: Examination topic or subject.

Sino-Tibetan (Mandarin Chinese).

Cultural Context

Be aware that discussing exam difficulty can be a sensitive or stressful topic for many students in high-pressure education systems.

In the West, 'exam questions' are often seen as a necessary evil, whereas in East Asia, they are often viewed as a standardized path to social mobility.

The 'Gaokao' essay questions (yearly national event). HSK (Standardized Chinese proficiency test). Imperial Examination (Keju) historical records.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

In a classroom

请看第一道考试题。
考试题在黑板上。
这道考试题谁会做？
别说话，认真做考试题。

At a tutoring center

我们要分析历年考试题。
这本辅导书有很多考试题。
这道考试题是必考点。
多刷考试题才能拿高分。

During an online search

下载HSK考试题。
查看考试题答案。
在线练习考试题。
考试题解析视频。

Discussing with classmates

你觉得昨天的考试题难吗？
最后一道考试题你做了吗？
我觉得考试题出得太偏了。
我们来对一下考试题的答案。

Teacher's office

我在准备明天的考试题。
这道考试题需要修改一下。
学生们普遍觉得考试题太难。
考试题的难度要控制好。

Conversation Starters

"你觉得这次的考试题跟去年相比怎么样？"

"你做过这道考试题吗？我怎么也算不出来答案。"

"听说这次的考试题会有很多超纲的内容，是真的吗？"

"老师，能不能再给我们讲讲最后一道考试题？"

"你复习的时候是看书还是直接刷考试题？"

Journal Prompts

描述一次让你印象深刻的考试，当时的考试题是什么样的？你觉得难吗？

如果你是一名老师，你会给你的学生出一道什么样的考试题？为什么？

你认为通过做大量的考试题来学习是一种有效的方法吗？请谈谈你的看法。

写一写你第一次看到全中文考试题时的感受。

讨论一下你认为最公平的考试题类型（如选择题、问答题等）及其原因。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

While people will understand you, it is much better to use '道' (dào). '道' is the specific measure word for questions, orders, and streaks of light. Using it makes you sound more proficient and natural in a Chinese academic context.

There is virtually no difference in meaning. '考题' is simply a shortened, two-syllable version of '考试题'. In spoken Chinese, people often prefer two-syllable words for rhythm, but '考试题' is very common as well.

It can be, but usually, people specify by saying '口试题' (kǒushì tí). If you just say '考试题', most people will assume you are talking about written questions on a paper.

You would say: '我对这道考试题有一个问题' (Wǒ duì zhè dào kǎoshì tí yǒu yīgè wèntí). This clearly distinguishes between the test item (考试题) and your personal inquiry (问题).

Not necessarily, but in Chinese culture, they are often associated with challenge. You can describe them as '简单的考试题' (simple exam questions) or '容易的考试题' (easy exam questions).

'刷' (shuā) literally means 'to brush' or 'to swipe'. In student slang, '刷题' means to go through a large number of practice or exam questions quickly and repeatedly to prepare for a test. It's similar to 'grinding' in video games.

Usually, it refers to the questions themselves. To refer to the whole test paper, use '考卷' (kǎojuàn) or '试卷' (shìjuàn). To refer to the event, just use '考试' (kǎoshì).

You can ask: '我们在做哪道考试题？' (Wǒmen zài zuò nǎ dào kǎoshì tí?) or more simply '我们在哪道题？'.

Yes, it is a standard, neutral-to-formal term. You can use it in a classroom, with a teacher, or in a professional report without any issues.

'真题' are 'real questions' from previous years' official exams. They are highly valued by students because they provide the best indication of what future exams will look like.