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B1 noun #1,500 most common 11 min read

实验

shiyan Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 实验 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 实验 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 实验 (shíyàn) means 'experiment' and is something people do in a school lab. You will mostly see it paired with the verb '做' (zuò), as in '做实验' (to do an experiment). You might hear it when talking about your favorite subjects in school, like science. It is a noun, and you can count it using '个' (gè). For example, '一个实验' (one experiment). At this stage, don't worry about the complex scientific meanings; just think of it as a fun activity you do in a science class with chemicals or tools. You should be able to recognize the characters and understand that they relate to science and testing.

At the A2 level, you should be able to use 实验 (shíyàn) in simple sentences about your daily life or school routine. You can start using it with locations, like '在实验室做实验' (doing an experiment in the lab). You should also know the word '科学家' (kēxuéjiā - scientist) and how they '做实验' to find answers. You might also encounter the word in simple news stories about new inventions. You should be able to describe an experiment as '有趣的' (interesting) or '难的' (difficult). You are also beginning to see it as part of compound words like '实验课' (lab class).

At the B1 level, you are expected to understand the broader applications of 实验 (shíyàn). You should know the difference between '做实验' (informal) and '进行实验' (formal). You will encounter the word in more complex texts about science, technology, and social issues. You should be able to talk about '实验结果' (experiment results) and '实验数据' (experiment data). You should also be aware of the common confusion between '实验' and '试验' (trial/test), though you might still make mistakes. You can use 实验 to describe not just physical science but also 'social experiments' (社会实验) or 'psychological experiments' (心理实验).

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the nuances of 实验 (shíyàn). You can use it fluently in academic or professional discussions. You should consistently use the correct measure words like '项' (xiàng) or '次' (cì). You are comfortable using the adjective form '实验性的' (experimental) to describe music, art, or new policies. You understand the historical and cultural context of 'seeking truth from facts' and how 实验 fits into that philosophy. You can explain the methodology of an experiment in Chinese, using words like '假设' (hypothesis), '过程' (process), and '结论' (conclusion).

At the C1 level, 实验 (shíyàn) becomes a tool for sophisticated analysis. You can discuss the ethics of 'animal experiments' (动物实验) or 'human experiments' (人体实验) with nuance. You can read and write academic papers that use 实验 as a core methodology. You understand the subtle differences between 实验, 试验, 考验, and 实践 in various high-level contexts. You can use the word metaphorically to describe political or economic reforms, such as '经济实验区' (economic experimental zone). Your usage is precise, and you can distinguish between different types of experimental designs in Chinese.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 实验 (shíyàn) is indistinguishable from a native speaker. You can engage in deep philosophical debates about the nature of empirical evidence and the 'thought experiments' (思想实验) of famous philosophers. You understand the word's role in the history of Chinese scientific development and its place in modern political discourse. You can use the word in creative writing to evoke specific moods or themes of discovery and failure. You are also aware of very niche technical terms related to 实验 in specific fields like quantum physics or advanced sociology.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

实验 in 30 Seconds

实验 (shíyàn) means 'experiment' and is primarily used in scientific, educational, and technical contexts to describe testing a hypothesis.
It is usually paired with verbs like 做 (zuò - do) or 进行 (jìnxíng - conduct) and often appears in compound words like 实验室 (laboratory).
It is distinct from 试验 (shìyàn), which refers more to product trials or performance tests, and 测验 (cèyàn), which means a quiz or assessment.
Culturally, it reflects the value of empirical evidence and the spirit of 'seeking truth from facts' in modern Chinese society.

The Chinese word 实验 (shíyàn) is a fundamental term in both academic and everyday contexts, primarily translated as 'experiment.' At its core, it refers to a systematic procedure carried out under controlled conditions to discover an unknown effect, to test or establish a hypothesis, or to illustrate a known law. The term is composed of two characters: 实 (shí), which means 'real,' 'solid,' or 'fact,' and 验 (yàn), which means 'to examine,' 'to test,' or 'to verify.' Together, they encapsulate the essence of the scientific method: verifying reality through testing. In modern Chinese society, 实验 is not just confined to the laboratory; it has expanded to describe social trials, educational innovations, and even personal life choices where one 'experiments' with a new lifestyle or career path.

Scientific Context: In chemistry, physics, and biology, 实验 refers to the physical act of mixing chemicals, measuring forces, or observing cells. It implies a rigorous process with a hypothesis, a methodology, and a conclusion.

科学家们正在进行一项关于新型疫苗的实验。 (Scientists are conducting an experiment on a new type of vaccine.)

Educational Context: In Chinese schools, 实验 is a key part of the curriculum. Students spend hours in the 'shíyàn shì' (laboratory) to witness the principles they learn in textbooks come to life.

Beyond the hard sciences, 实验 is used in social sciences to describe 'social experiments' (社会实验). This has become a popular genre of video content in China, where creators test public reactions to various scenarios. Furthermore, in the business world, companies perform 'market experiments' to see how a new product might perform before a full-scale launch. The word carries a sense of curiosity, rigor, and the pursuit of truth. It suggests that the person performing the action is not just guessing but is actively seeking evidence to support a claim. Whether it is a child mixing vinegar and baking soda or a Nobel laureate smashing particles in a collider, they are all engaged in 实验.

这个心理学实验揭示了人类行为的复杂性。 (This psychology experiment revealed the complexity of human behavior.)

Metaphorical Use: Sometimes people use 实验 to describe trying something new without a guaranteed outcome, such as 'experimenting' with a new teaching method or a new way of living in a city.

我们的新教学法目前还处于实验阶段。 (Our new teaching method is currently still in the experimental stage.)

他在厨房里做了一个大胆的烹饪实验。 (He did a bold cooking experiment in the kitchen.)

In summary, 实验 is a versatile and essential word for anyone discussing science, education, or innovation in Chinese. It reflects a mindset of inquiry and the value placed on empirical evidence. As you progress in your Chinese studies, you will encounter this word in textbooks, news articles, and academic papers, making it a cornerstone of intermediate-level vocabulary.

Using 实验 (shíyàn) correctly requires understanding its role as a noun and its common verb pairings. In Chinese, nouns often need a specific verb to form a complete thought. For 实验, the most common verbs are 做 (zuò), 进行 (jìnxíng), and 完成 (wánchéng). Each of these conveys a slightly different nuance of the experimental process.

Pairing with '做' (zuò): '做实验' is the most common and informal way to say 'to do an experiment.' It is used by students, teachers, and in casual conversation.

我们明天要在化学课上做实验。 (We are going to do an experiment in chemistry class tomorrow.)

Pairing with '进行' (jìnxíng): '进行实验' is more formal and is often found in scientific reports, news, and academic writing. It translates to 'to conduct an experiment' or 'to carry out an experiment.'

研究人员正在对这种新材料进行实验。 (Researchers are conducting experiments on this new material.)

Another important aspect of using 实验 is describing the components of the experiment. You will often hear terms like 实验结果 (shíyàn jiéguǒ) meaning 'experiment results,' 实验数据 (shíyàn shùjù) meaning 'experiment data,' and 实验报告 (shíyàn bàogào) meaning 'lab report.' These compounds are essential for anyone working in a technical or academic field.

Describing the Outcome: You can use adjectives like '成功的' (successful) or '失败的' (failed) to describe the outcome of an experiment.

虽然这次实验失败了，但我们学到了很多。 (Although this experiment failed, we learned a lot.)

In terms of sentence structure, 实验 usually appears in the object position. For example, 'Subject + Verb + 实验.' However, it can also be the subject of a sentence, especially when discussing the importance or the nature of the experiment itself. For instance, '这个实验非常危险' (This experiment is very dangerous). Understanding these patterns will help you integrate 实验 naturally into your speech and writing.

这次实验的数据非常准确。 (The data from this experiment is very accurate.)

他已经重复做了好几项实验。 (He has already repeated several experiments.)

By mastering these collocations and structures, you will be able to talk about scientific discovery and trial-and-error processes with confidence. Whether you are a student describing your homework or a professional presenting research, 实验 is the key word you need.

The word 实验 (shíyàn) is ubiquitous in Chinese life, echoing through hallways of schools, appearing in nightly news broadcasts, and being discussed in the high-tech hubs of Shenzhen and Beijing. Understanding where you will encounter this word helps in grasping its cultural weight and practical application.

In the Education System: China places a massive emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). From primary school onwards, students are introduced to '实验课' (shíyàn kè - lab classes). You will hear teachers say, '同学们，今天我们要去实验室做实验' (Students, today we are going to the lab to do an experiment).

这所学校的实验设备非常先进。 (This school's experimental equipment is very advanced.)

In News and Media: When China launches a new spacecraft, tests a high-speed train, or develops a new medical treatment, the word 实验 is always in the headlines. Phrases like '科学实验卫星' (scientific experiment satellite) or '临床实验' (clinical trials) are common in CCTV news reports.

In the tech industry, which is a massive part of the modern Chinese economy, 实验 is used to describe A/B testing, beta features, and pilot programs. If you work in a Chinese tech company like Tencent or Alibaba, you might hear colleagues talk about '实验组' (shíyàn zǔ - experimental group) versus '对照组' (duìzhào zǔ - control group). This technical usage is identical to how 'experiment' is used in Silicon Valley.

我们在新版本中加入了一些实验性功能。 (We added some experimental features in the new version.)

In Pop Culture: Social media platforms like Douyin (the Chinese TikTok) are full of 'science experiment' influencers who perform flashy chemistry or physics tricks. These videos often start with '今天我们来做一个有趣的实验' (Today we are going to do an interesting experiment).

这个有趣的实验在网上走红了。 (This interesting experiment went viral online.)

Ultimately, 实验 is a word that bridges the gap between the ivory tower of academia and the daily lives of ordinary people. It represents the spirit of 'seeking truth from facts' (实事求是), a famous Chinese idiom that has guided the country's development for decades. When you hear 实验, you are hearing the sound of progress and inquiry.

While 实验 (shíyàn) might seem straightforward, there are several common pitfalls that English speakers often encounter when learning and using this word in Chinese. The most significant challenge is distinguishing it from its close relative, 试验 (shìyàn).

Mistake 1: Confusing '实验' with '试验': This is the most common error. While both can translate to 'test' or 'experiment,' 实验 is used for scientific discovery or verifying a theory. 试验 is used for testing the performance of a product, a new method, or a trial run. For example, you '实验' to find a new law of physics, but you '试验' a new car to see if it's safe.

错误：我们在工厂里对新机器进行实验。 (Incorrect: We are doing an 'experiment' on the new machine in the factory.)
正确：我们在工厂里对新机器进行试验。 (Correct: We are doing a 'trial/test' on the new machine.)

Mistake 2: Incorrect Measure Words: Learners often default to '个' (gè) for everything. While '一个实验' is acceptable, in formal or academic writing, using '一项实验' (yī xiàng shíyàn) or '一次实验' (yī cì shíyàn) is much more professional. Using the wrong measure word can make your Chinese sound 'childish' or unpolished.

Another mistake involves the word order when describing the type of experiment. In English, we might say 'chemistry experiment.' In Chinese, the subject (chemistry) must come before the word 实验. It is 化学实验 (huàxué shíyàn), never 实验化学 (which would mean 'experimental chemistry' as a field of study, not a specific experiment).

Mistake 3: Overusing '实验' for 'Test': If you are talking about a school exam or a small quiz, do not use 实验. Use 考试 (kǎoshì) or 测验 (cèyàn). 实验 implies a scientific process, not an assessment of a student's knowledge.

错误：明天的数学实验很难。 (Incorrect: Tomorrow's math 'experiment' is hard.)
正确：明天的数学测验很难。 (Correct: Tomorrow's math 'quiz/test' is hard.)

Finally, be careful with the verb 'to experiment.' In English, we can say 'I am experimenting with a new look.' In Chinese, you cannot simply use 实验 as a verb in this way. You would need to say '我在尝试一种新的形象' (I am trying out a new look) or '我在进行一种新的尝试.' Using 实验 in a purely aesthetic or personal context can sound overly clinical or strange unless you are intentionally being humorous.

By keeping these distinctions in mind, you will avoid the most common errors and speak Chinese with much greater precision and naturalness.

To truly master 实验 (shíyàn), it is helpful to compare it with other words that occupy the same semantic space. Chinese has several words for 'test,' 'trial,' and 'research,' and choosing the right one is key to sounding like a native speaker.

实验 (shíyàn) vs. 试验 (shìyàn): As mentioned before, 实验 is about verifying a theory or discovering new knowledge (Scientific Experiment). 试验 is about testing a product, a machine, or a method to see if it works or to improve it (Trial/Test). Think of 实验 as 'discovery' and 试验 as 'validation.'

他在实验室做物理实验。 (He is doing a physics experiment in the lab.)
他在路面上试验新车的性能。 (He is testing the performance of the new car on the road.)

实验 (shíyàn) vs. 测验 (cèyàn): 测验 is primarily used in educational settings to mean a 'quiz' or 'test.' It can also mean a psychological test. It is about measuring someone's ability or a specific trait, whereas 实验 is about the scientific process.

老师今天给了我们一个数学测验。 (The teacher gave us a math quiz today.)

Another word often confused with 实验 is 实践 (shíjiàn). While 实验 is a scientific test, 实践 means 'practice' or 'to put into practice.' It is often used in the context of applying theory to the real world. For example, '理论联系实践' (linking theory with practice).

实验 (shíyàn) vs. 研究 (yánjiū): 研究 means 'research.' An 实验 is often a part of a larger 研究. Research involves literature review, data analysis, and experiments. You might say, '我的研究包括了三个实验' (My research included three experiments).

他在进行一项关于气候变化的研究。 (He is conducting research on climate change.)

In summary, choose 实验 for science, 试验 for trials, 测验 for quizzes, 实践 for practice, and 研究 for overall research. Understanding these nuances will make your Chinese more precise and professional.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 验 (yàn) contains the radical for 'horse' (马) because in ancient times, testing the quality of a horse was one of the most common forms of 'verification' or 'testing.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʃǐ jɛ̂n/

US /ʃǐ jɛ̂n/

The emphasis is slightly more on the second syllable 'yàn' due to the falling tone's natural intensity.

Rhymes With

时间 (shíjiān) 实践 (shíjiàn) 信念 (xìnniàn) 经验 (jīngyàn) 考验 (kǎoyàn) 体面 (tǐmiàn) 意见 (yìjiàn) 展现 (zhǎnxiàn)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'shí' as 'shì' (4th tone), which changes the meaning.
Pronouncing 'yàn' as 'yán' (2nd tone), making it sound like 'salt' or 'research'.
Failing to curl the tongue for the 'sh' sound (it should be retroflex).
Mixing up 'shíyàn' with 'shìyàn' (trial), which sound very similar.
Dropping the 'i' sound in 'shí', making it sound like 'shé'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The characters are moderately complex but very common in textbooks.

Writing 4/5

The character '验' has many strokes and requires practice to write correctly.

Speaking 2/5

The pronunciation is relatively simple, though tones must be precise.

Listening 3/5

Can be easily confused with '试验' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

科学 (Science) 做 (To do) 学习 (To study) 发现 (To discover) 学校 (School)

Learn Next

试验 (Trial) 研究 (Research) 证明 (To prove) 结论 (Conclusion) 假设 (Hypothesis)

Advanced

方法论 (Methodology) 经验主义 (Empiricism) 变量 (Variable) 相关性 (Correlation) 因果关系 (Causality)

Grammar to Know

Measure Words for 实验

一项实验 (One experiment - formal), 一个实验 (One experiment - general), 三次实验 (Three experiments/times).

Verb-Object Structure

做 (Verb) + 实验 (Object). Many Chinese nouns require a specific verb.

Adjective Formation with '性的'

实验 (Noun) + 性的 = 实验性的 (Experimental).

Location with '在...里'

在实验室里做实验 (Doing an experiment in the lab).

Purpose with '为了'

为了验证理论，我们做了实验 (In order to verify the theory, we did an experiment).

Examples by Level

我喜欢做实验。

I like doing experiments.

Subject + 喜欢 + 做 + 实验

老师在做实验。

The teacher is doing an experiment.

Subject + 在 + 做 + 实验

这是一个有趣的实验。

This is an interesting experiment.

这 + 是 + 一个 + 有趣的 + 实验

实验室很大。

The laboratory is very big.

实验室 (Lab) + 很 + 大

我们要去做实验。

We are going to do an experiment.

我们 + 要 + 去 + 做 + 实验

他有一个实验。

He has an experiment.

Subject + 有 + 一个 + 实验

科学实验很好玩。

Scientific experiments are fun.

科学实验 + 很 + 好玩

你看这个实验！

Look at this experiment!

你 + 看 + 这个 + 实验

他在实验室里忙着做实验。

He is busy doing experiments in the lab.

在...里 (inside) + 忙着 (busy doing)

这个实验需要三分钟。

This experiment takes three minutes.

需要 (needs/takes) + time duration

我们每天都有实验课。

We have lab classes every day.

每天 (every day) + 都有 (all have)

科学家发现了一个新实验。

The scientist discovered a new experiment.

发现 (discovered) + 了

这个实验不难，你可以试试。

This experiment isn't hard, you can try it.

不难 (not hard) + 试试 (try)

他在书里看到了这个实验。

He saw this experiment in a book.

在书里 (in the book) + 看到 (saw)

我们要做一个关于水的实验。

We are going to do an experiment about water.

关于 (about) + 水 (water)

实验成功了，大家都很开心。

The experiment succeeded, everyone is happy.

成功 (succeed) + 了

为了证明这个理论，他做了一次实验。

In order to prove this theory, he did an experiment.

为了 (in order to) + 证明 (prove)

实验结果和我们预想的一样。

The experiment results are the same as we expected.

和...一样 (the same as)

进行这项实验需要非常小心。

Conducting this experiment requires great care.

进行 (conduct) + 项 (measure word)

这个社会实验引起了广泛的讨论。

This social experiment caused widespread discussion.

引起 (caused) + 讨论 (discussion)

我们需要更多的实验数据来支持结论。

We need more experimental data to support the conclusion.

支持 (support) + 结论 (conclusion)

他在实验报告中详细记录了过程。

He recorded the process in detail in the lab report.

详细 (detailed) + 记录 (record)

虽然实验失败了，但我们找到了原因。

Although the experiment failed, we found the reason.

虽然...但... (although... but...)

这个实验证明了这种药是有效的。

This experiment proved that this medicine is effective.

证明 (proved) + 有效 (effective)

该项实验的严谨性得到了学术界的认可。

The rigor of this experiment has been recognized by the academic community.

严谨性 (rigor) + 得到认可 (get recognition)

这种实验性药物还在临床测试阶段。

This experimental drug is still in the clinical testing stage.

实验性 (experimental) + 临床 (clinical)

实验过程中出现了意想不到的化学反应。

An unexpected chemical reaction occurred during the experiment.

过程中 (during the process) + 意想不到 (unexpected)

通过对比实验，我们发现了两者的差异。

Through comparative experiments, we discovered the difference between the two.

对比实验 (comparative experiment)

实验的设计必须符合伦理标准。

The design of the experiment must comply with ethical standards.

符合 (comply with) + 伦理标准 (ethical standards)

他致力于物理实验研究已经二十年了。

He has been dedicated to physics experiment research for twenty years.

致力于 (dedicated to) + duration

这项实验推翻了之前的科学假设。

This experiment overturned the previous scientific hypothesis.

推翻 (overturn) + 假设 (hypothesis)

实验室的设备需要定期进行校准和维护。

Lab equipment needs regular calibration and maintenance.

定期 (regularly) + 校准 (calibrate)

这种大胆的经济实验在当时引起了巨大的争议。

This bold economic experiment caused huge controversy at the time.

经济实验 (economic experiment) + 争议 (controversy)

该研究采用双盲实验法以确保结果的客观性。

The study used a double-blind experimental method to ensure the objectivity of the results.

双盲实验 (double-blind experiment) + 客观性 (objectivity)

实验误差是不可避免的，但我们可以将其最小化。

Experimental error is inevitable, but we can minimize it.

不可避免 (inevitable) + 最小化 (minimize)

他试图通过实验来验证这个深奥的哲学命题。

He tried to verify this profound philosophical proposition through experiments.

验证 (verify) + 命题 (proposition)

这项实验的成功标志着基因编辑技术的新突破。

The success of this experiment marks a new breakthrough in gene editing technology.

标志着 (marks) + 突破 (breakthrough)

实验条件的微小变化可能会导致截然不同的结果。

Small changes in experimental conditions can lead to vastly different results.

微小变化 (small changes) + 截然不同 (vastly different)

我们需要对实验模型进行进一步的优化和完善。

We need to further optimize and perfect the experimental model.

优化 (optimize) + 完善 (perfect)

该实验揭示了人类大脑在压力下的运作机制。

The experiment revealed the mechanism of the human brain under pressure.

揭示 (reveal) + 运作机制 (operating mechanism)

薛定谔的猫是一个著名的思想实验，探讨了量子力学的叠加态。

Schrödinger's cat is a famous thought experiment exploring the superposition of quantum mechanics.

思想实验 (thought experiment) + 叠加态 (superposition)

该项实验的复杂程度超出了目前所有计算机的模拟能力。

The complexity of this experiment exceeds the simulation capabilities of all current computers.

超出 (exceeds) + 模拟能力 (simulation capability)

实验主义哲学强调知识应来源于对现实世界的积极探索。

Experimentalist philosophy emphasizes that knowledge should come from active exploration of the real world.

实验主义 (experimentalism) + 来源于 (originates from)

这项实验不仅是科学的胜利，更是人类好奇心的体现。

This experiment is not only a victory for science but also an embodiment of human curiosity.

不仅是...更是... (not only... but even more...)

实验数据的偏差引发了关于实验设计缺陷的深刻反思。

The bias in the experimental data triggered a profound reflection on the flaws in the experimental design.

引发 (triggered) + 反思 (reflection)

在极端条件下进行的物理实验为我们理解宇宙起源提供了线索。

Physics experiments conducted under extreme conditions provide clues for our understanding of the origin of the universe.

极端条件 (extreme conditions) + 起源 (origin)

该实验的重复性极高，证明了其结论的普遍适用性。

The repeatability of the experiment is extremely high, proving the universal applicability of its conclusions.

重复性 (repeatability) + 普遍适用性 (universal applicability)

通过对历史事件的模拟实验，学者们试图预测未来的社会走向。

Through simulation experiments of historical events, scholars try to predict future social trends.

模拟实验 (simulation experiment) + 走向 (trend/direction)

Synonyms

试验测验实测

Antonyms

理论

Common Collocations

做实验

进行实验

实验结果

实验室

实验数据

科学实验

化学实验

实验报告

实验对象

实验阶段

Common Phrases

社会实验

— A social experiment, often used in sociology or for viral videos.

这个社会实验测试了人们对陌生人的态度。

思想实验

— A thought experiment, used in philosophy and physics.

电车难题是一个著名的思想实验。

临床实验

— Clinical trials, specifically for testing new medical treatments.

这种新药已经进入了第三期临床实验。

对比实验

— A comparative or controlled experiment.

通过对比实验，我们排除了其他干扰因素。

动物实验

— Animal testing or animal experiments.

很多人反对在化妆品研发中使用动物实验。

模拟实验

— A simulation experiment.

宇航员在地面进行模拟实验以适应太空环境。

实验性功能

— Experimental features, often in software.

你可以在设置中开启实验性功能。

实验小学

— Experimental Primary School (a common name for prestigious schools in China).

他就读于北京第一实验小学。

重复实验

— To repeat an experiment to verify results.

为了确保准确，我们必须进行重复实验。

野外实验

— Field experiment, conducted outside a lab.

生物学家正在森林里进行野外实验。

Often Confused With

实验 vs 试验 (shìyàn)

Experiment (discovery) vs. Trial (performance testing). This is the most common confusion.

实验 vs 测验 (cèyàn)

Experiment (scientific process) vs. Quiz/Test (measuring knowledge).

实验 vs 化验 (huàyàn)

Experiment (general) vs. Lab Test (specifically for chemical/medical analysis like blood tests).

Idioms & Expressions

"实事求是"

— To seek truth from facts. While not containing '实验', it is the philosophical root of the experimental method in China.

我们做研究一定要实事求是。

Formal

"百闻不如一见"

— Seeing once is better than hearing a hundred times. Often used to justify why an experiment (seeing) is necessary.

听了这么多，不如我们做一个实验，毕竟百闻不如一见。

Neutral

"循序渐进"

— To progress step by step. Essential for the experimental process.

做实验要循序渐进，不能急于求成。

Formal

"精益求精"

— To constantly strive for perfection. Often applied to experimental techniques.

他在实验操作上精益求精。

Formal

"因地制宜"

— To act according to local conditions. Used when adapting an experiment to a specific environment.

野外实验需要因地制宜地调整方案。

Formal

"有的放矢"

— To have a target in mind. Used to describe a well-designed experiment with a clear goal.

我们的实验设计必须有的放矢。

Formal

"事半功倍"

— To get twice the result with half the effort. Used when an experiment is designed efficiently.

好的实验方法能让你事半功倍。

Neutral

"功亏一篑"

— To fail at the final hurdle. Often used when a long experiment fails at the very end.

就差最后一步了，千万不能功亏一篑。

Literary

"一目了然"

— To be clear at a glance. Used when experiment results are very obvious.

实验结果一目了然，不需要多解释。

Neutral

"前车之鉴"

— Lessons learned from others' mistakes. Used when reviewing failed experiments of the past.

我们要吸取前人的教训，以此为前车之鉴。

Formal

Easily Confused

实验 vs 试验

They sound almost identical (shíyàn vs shìyàn).

实验 is for verifying theories or discovering new things. 试验 is for testing if a product or method works in practice.

科学家做实验 (discovery); 工程师做试验 (testing a machine).

实验 vs 实践

Both involve 'doing' something real (实).

实验 is a controlled scientific test. 实践 is the general act of putting theory into practice in real life.

理论联系实践。

实验 vs 考验

Both involve a 'test' (验).

实验 is scientific. 考验 is a test of character, strength, or endurance.

困难考验了他的意志。

实验 vs 检查

Both involve looking at something closely.

实验 is a creative process of discovery. 检查 is an evaluative process of looking for errors or status.

检查身体 vs 做实验。

实验 vs 体验

Both end in '验'.

实验 is an objective scientific test. 体验 is a subjective personal experience.

体验当地生活。

Sentence Patterns

我做实验。

他在[地点]做实验。

他在实验室做实验。

这个实验证明了[结论]。

这个实验证明了水在100度沸腾。

通过实验，我们发现[发现]。

通过实验，我们发现这种材料很坚固。

进行这项实验需要[条件]。

进行这项实验需要极高的温度。

实验结果与[预期/理论]不符。

实验结果与之前的理论不符。

该实验旨在探讨[主题]。

该实验旨在探讨人类记忆的局限性。

实验数据的偏差揭示了[深层原因]。

实验数据的偏差揭示了实验设计本身的缺陷。

Word Family

Nouns

实验室 (Laboratory)

实验员 (Lab technician)

实验课 (Lab class)

实验法 (Experimental method)

实验性 (Experimental nature)

Verbs

做实验 (To do an experiment)

进行实验 (To conduct an experiment)

完成实验 (To complete an experiment)

Adjectives

实验性的 (Experimental)

实验中的 (Under experiment)

科学 (Science)

研究 (Research)

数据 (Data)

假设 (Hypothesis)

验证 (Verification)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in academic, educational, and news contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 实验 for a school quiz. → 使用“测验”或“考试”。
实验 is a scientific process, not a test of a student's knowledge.
Using 实验 as a direct verb like 'I experiment it'. → 使用“我做这个实验”。
In Chinese, 实验 is primarily a noun. You need a verb like '做' or '进行'.
Confusing 实验 with 试验 when testing a product. → 对产品进行“试验”。
实验 is for discovery; 试验 is for performance testing.
Putting the subject after 实验 (e.g., 实验化学). → 化学实验。
The modifying subject (chemistry, physics) must come before the noun 实验.
Using 实验 for a medical check-up. → 使用“检查”或“化验”。
A medical check-up is a 'jiǎnchá', not a scientific 'shíyàn'.

Tips

Learn the compounds

Learning 实验 along with 实验室 (lab) and 实验员 (technician) makes it much easier to remember.

Use the right verb

Always pair 实验 with 做 or 进行. Don't use it alone as a verb in most cases.

Master the 4th tone

The 'yàn' in 实验 must be a sharp falling tone. Practice saying it like you are firmly stating a fact.

Experiment vs Trial

If you are discovering a law of nature, use 实验. If you are testing a new app, use 试验.

Measure words matter

Using '一项实验' in your writing will instantly make your Chinese sound more advanced.

Context clues

If you hear '科学' (science), it's almost certainly '实验'. If you hear '产品' (product), it might be '试验'.

Experimental Schools

If someone says they went to an 'Experimental School,' it usually means they are quite bright!

Shi-Yan Mnemonic

Shi (Solid) + Yan (Examine) = Solid Examination = Experiment.

Research Papers

In academic Chinese, 实验 is often used in the 'Methodology' (方法论) section.

Social Experiments

Use '社会实验' when talking about those 'what would you do' videos on YouTube or Douyin.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'SHI' as 'Sure' (reality) and 'YAN' as 'Eye' (to examine). You use your 'Eye' to make 'Sure' of the facts. SHI-YAN.

Visual Association

Imagine a scientist in a white coat (实 - solid professional) looking through a microscope (验 - examining) at a petri dish.

Word Web

实验室 (Lab) 科学家 (Scientist) 数据 (Data) 化学 (Chemistry) 物理 (Physics) 结果 (Result) 成功 (Success) 失败 (Failure)

Challenge

Try to use '实验' in three different sentences today: one about school, one about a scientist, and one about a 'social experiment' you saw online.

Word Origin

The term 实验 is a compound of two ancient Chinese characters. '实' (shí) originally depicted a house with a string of coins inside, representing wealth, reality, or something solid. '验' (yàn) originally referred to examining a horse's quality or verifying its identity.

Original meaning: The combination literally means 'to verify through solid facts' or 'to examine reality.'

Sino-Tibetan, Sinitic.

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing 'animal experiments' (动物实验) or 'human experiments' (人体实验), as these can be sensitive ethical topics in academic and social circles.

In English, 'experiment' can be used casually (e.g., 'experimenting with a new hair color'). In Chinese, 实验 is usually more formal and scientific. For casual trials, '尝试' (chángshì) is more common.

The 'Two Bombs, One Satellite' (两弹一星) project, which involved massive scientific 实验. Social experiments on platforms like Bilibili and Douyin. The 'Economic Experimental Zones' (经济特区) like Shenzhen.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Science Class

实验课
实验室
做实验
实验报告

Medical Research

临床实验
疫苗实验
实验数据
实验对象

Technology/Software

实验性功能
A/B 实验
实验组
对照组

Social Media

社会实验
有趣的小实验
实验视频
科学小实验

Business/Policy

实验区
实验阶段
试点实验
改革实验

Conversation Starters

"你在学校最喜欢的实验是什么？ (What was your favorite experiment in school?)"

"你觉得在动物身上做实验是正确的吗？ (Do you think animal testing is right?)"

"你最近看过什么有趣的社会实验视频吗？ (Have you seen any interesting social experiment videos lately?)"

"如果我们要证明地球是圆的，你会怎么做实验？ (If we had to prove the Earth is round, how would you do the experiment?)"

"你曾经在家里做过科学实验吗？ (Have you ever done a science experiment at home?)"

Journal Prompts

描述一次你在学校做过的最难忘的实验。 (Describe a memorable experiment you did in school.)

如果你是一个科学家，你想进行什么样的实验？ (If you were a scientist, what kind of experiment would you want to conduct?)

讨论科学实验对人类社会进步的重要性。 (Discuss the importance of scientific experiments for the progress of human society.)

写一个关于实验失败但最终学到重要教训的故事。 (Write a story about an experiment that failed but ultimately taught an important lesson.)

你认为“思想实验”在解决现实问题中有什么作用？ (What role do you think 'thought experiments' play in solving real-world problems?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

While 实验 can technically function as a verb, it is much more common to use it as a noun with a verb like '做' (zuò) or '进行' (jìnxíng). For example, instead of saying '我实验这个', say '我做这个实验'.

实验 (shíyàn) is for scientific discovery and verifying theories. 试验 (shìyàn) is for testing the performance of products or methods. Think of 实验 as 'Science' and 试验 as 'Trial'.

For general use, '个' (gè) is fine. For formal or scientific contexts, use '项' (xiàng) or '次' (cì).

It is the most common general word. For medical labs, you might hear '化验室' (huàyàn shì).

You say '实验音乐' (shíyàn yīnyuè) or '实验性音乐' (shíyàn xìng yīnyuè).

Yes, '社会实验' (shèhuì shíyàn) is the standard term used in sociology and on social media.

It means 'Experimental Primary School.' These are usually high-quality schools that were originally established to test new educational methods.

The term is '实验报告' (shíyàn bàogào).

No, for a blood test, use '化验' (huàyàn) or '抽血检查' (chōuxuè jiǎnchá).

'做实验' is neutral to informal. In a formal research paper, you should use '进行实验' or '开展实验'.