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B1 noun, verb #2,500 most common 8 min read

测验

ceyan
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 测验 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 测验 in your Level:
At the A1 level, '测验' (cèyàn) is a word you might hear in your first Chinese classes. It simply means 'a test' or 'a quiz'. Think of it as a way for your teacher to see if you remember the words you learned yesterday. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember that '做测验' (zuò cèyàn) means 'to do a test'. It is a noun that describes that piece of paper with questions on it. For example: '明天有测验' (Tomorrow there is a test). It is a very useful word for students to know early on so they can understand their school schedule.
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By A2, you can start using '测验' in simple sentences to describe your daily life. You might say '我不喜欢测验' (I don't like tests) or '测验很难' (The test is hard). You also learn that it can be used for different subjects, like '数学测验' (math test) or '汉语测验' (Chinese test). At this level, you should recognize that '测验' is usually shorter than a big '考试' (exam). You might also see it in simple personality quizzes online, which are popular in China. You are beginning to see how it functions as a noun in different contexts.
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At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance between '测验' and its synonyms like '考试' and '测试'. You know that '测验' is often used for diagnostic purposes—to check progress rather than to give a final grade. You can use it as a verb now: '老师要测验我们的水平' (The teacher wants to test our level). You also start to encounter it in more professional or psychological contexts, such as '心理测验' (psychological test). You should be able to discuss the results of a test using words like '分数' (score) and '及格' (to pass). This is the level where you move beyond just 'school tests' and see the word's broader application.
At the B2 level, you are expected to use '测验' with more sophisticated collocations and in more formal writing. You might talk about '进行测验' (conducting a test) or '通过测验' (passing a test). You understand that '测验' can be a metaphor, such as '这次危机是对我们友谊的测验' (This crisis is a test of our friendship). You can distinguish it from '测试' in technical contexts and '考核' in workplace contexts. Your vocabulary is rich enough to describe the *process* of testing, the *validity* of the test, and the *impact* of the results on a person's future or a project's success.
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At the C1 level, you use '测验' to discuss complex topics like educational reform, psychological profiling, or scientific methodology. You understand the subtle difference between '测验' (assessment of knowledge/traits) and '实验' (experimentation to prove a hypothesis). You can analyze the cultural significance of '测验' in the Chinese 'exam culture' (应试教育). You might use it in academic writing to describe the instruments used in a study: '本研究采用了标准化的智力测验' (This study utilized standardized intelligence tests). You are comfortable with its abstract meanings and can use it fluently in any register, from casual conversation to formal debate.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of '测验' is complete. You understand its etymological roots and how they influence its modern usage. You can use the word in philosophical discussions about the nature of truth and verification. You might use it in literary contexts or high-level political discourse to describe how a leader's character is 'tested' by historical events. You can navigate the most technical nuances, such as the difference between '测验' and '考查' in a legal or administrative framework. For you, '测验' is not just a word for a quiz; it is a versatile concept representing the human desire to measure, verify, and understand the world and ourselves.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

测验 in 30 Seconds

  • 测验 is a versatile word meaning 'quiz' or 'test', used in schools, hospitals, and offices to check progress or traits.
  • It functions as both a noun (a test) and a verb (to test), making it highly flexible in daily Chinese conversation.
  • Unlike the formal '考试' (exam), a '测验' is usually smaller, more frequent, and often used for diagnostic purposes.
  • Commonly paired with verbs like '参加' (take) or '进行' (conduct), it is essential for B1 learners to master.

The term 测验 (cèyàn) is a fundamental concept in the Chinese educational and professional landscape. At its core, it refers to the process of gauging, measuring, or verifying a specific set of attributes, knowledge, or capabilities. Unlike the more formal and high-stakes 考试 (kǎoshì), which usually implies a final exam or a major standardized test, a 测验 is often smaller in scale, more frequent, and used as a diagnostic tool to see how well a student or participant is grasping the material in real-time. It functions as a feedback loop between the instructor and the learner.

Etymological Breakdown
The character 测 (cè) contains the water radical (氵) and originally meant to measure the depth of water. Over time, it evolved to mean 'to measure' or 'to survey' in a broader sense. The character 验 (yàn) contains the horse radical (马) and historically referred to checking the quality of horses. Together, they form a word that literally means 'to measure and verify.'

老师说明天会有一个关于生词的小测验。

— The teacher said there will be a small quiz on new vocabulary tomorrow.

In a psychological or medical context, 测验 is used to describe standardized assessments, such as an IQ test (智商测验) or a personality test (人格测验). In these scenarios, the word carries a more scientific weight, implying a structured methodology used to extract data about a person's mental state or cognitive abilities. It is not just about 'passing' or 'failing' but about 'measuring' a specific trait. This nuance is vital for B1 learners to understand: while you might fear a 考试, a 测验 is often just a way to check progress.

Frequency of Use
In modern Chinese society, students are exposed to 测验 almost weekly. It is a ubiquitous part of the 'Gaokao' preparation culture, where constant small assessments lead up to the final grand examination. Outside of school, you might encounter it in HR departments during recruitment (入职测验).

这台机器需要经过严格的性能测验才能出厂。

— This machine needs to undergo rigorous performance testing before leaving the factory.

Furthermore, 测验 can be used in social settings, such as 'loyalty tests' (忠诚度测验) or 'compatibility tests' (契合度测验) found in popular magazines or social media apps. In these informal contexts, the word retains its meaning of 'evaluation' but loses its academic rigor. For a learner, recognizing the context—whether it's a classroom, a laboratory, or a lifestyle blog—is key to understanding the intended gravity of the word.

Grammatical Flexibility
It can act as a subject (测验很难), an object (参加测验), or a verb (测验一下). This flexibility makes it a versatile tool in your vocabulary arsenal.

Using 测验 correctly requires understanding its role as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it functions like 'quiz' or 'test'. As a verb, it functions like 'to test' or 'to assess'. Let's explore the various grammatical structures where this word commonly appears.

1. As a Noun (The Assessment)

When used as a noun, 测验 is often the object of verbs like 参加 (cānjiā - to participate/take), 进行 (jìnxíng - to conduct), or 通过 (tōngguò - to pass).

  • 参加测验: To take a test. (e.g., 我明天要参加英语测验。)
  • 进行测验: To conduct a test. (e.g., 学校正在进行体能测验。)
  • 测验结果: Test results. (e.g., 测验结果还没出来。)

2. As a Verb (The Action of Testing)

As a verb, 测验 describes the act of putting something or someone to the test. It is often followed by the person or thing being tested.

  • 测验学生: To test students. (e.g., 老师想测验学生们的反应能力。)
  • 测验水平: To test the level. (e.g., 这次比赛是为了测验大家的真实水平。)

3. Common Sentence Patterns

Here are some structural templates you can use in your own writing and speaking:

Pattern A: [Subject] + 给 + [Object] + 做测验
Meaning: [Subject] gives [Object] a test. (e.g., 医生给病人做了心理测验。)
Pattern B: [Something] + 是对 + [Someone] + 的测验
Meaning: [Something] is a test for [Someone]. (e.g., 这次困难是对我们意志的测验。)

4. Distinguishing from '测试' (cèshì)

While very similar, 测试 is more commonly used in technical, engineering, or software contexts (e.g., beta testing a software). 测验 remains more firmly rooted in education and psychology. If you are talking about a classroom quiz, use 测验. If you are talking about a bug in an app, use 测试.

You will encounter the word 测验 in several distinct environments in China and Chinese-speaking communities. Understanding these contexts will help you grasp the 'flavor' of the word in different situations.

1. In the Classroom (Academic Context)

This is the most common place. Teachers use it to describe the frequent quizzes that punctuate the semester. You'll hear it in phrases like:

  • '同学们，拿出纸笔，我们做一个小测验。' (Students, take out paper and pen, we're doing a small quiz.)
  • '这次测验不计入总分。' (This quiz doesn't count towards the final grade.)

2. In the Hospital or Clinic (Medical/Psychological Context)

Medical professionals use 测验 to refer to diagnostic assessments. It sounds clinical and objective.

  • '我们需要为您做一个视力测验。' (We need to do a vision test for you.)
  • '这套心理测验题可以帮助我们了解您的压力来源。' (This set of psychological test questions can help us understand the source of your stress.)

3. In the Workplace (Professional Context)

HR managers or team leaders might use it during the hiring process or for skill evaluation.

  • '入职前，所有候选人都必须通过性格测验。' (Before joining, all candidates must pass a personality test.)
  • '公司决定对员工的专业技能进行定期测验。' (The company decided to conduct regular tests on employees' professional skills.)

4. In Media and Pop Culture (Informal Context)

On social media platforms like WeChat or Weibo, you'll see 'fun' tests designed for engagement.

  • '测验一下你的恋爱脑指数。' (Test your 'love brain' index.)
  • '这个小测验最近在网上很火。' (This little quiz has been very popular online lately.)

Even intermediate learners often stumble when using 测验. Here are the most frequent pitfalls and how to avoid them.

1. Confusing '测验' (cèyàn) with '考试' (kǎoshì)

This is the most common mistake. While both involve testing, they are not interchangeable in terms of scale.

  • Mistake: 我明天要参加HSK测验。 (I'm taking the HSK quiz tomorrow.)
  • Correction: 我明天要参加HSK考试。 (I'm taking the HSK exam tomorrow.)
  • Rule: Use 考试 for formal, high-stakes, or final exams. Use 测验 for informal, low-stakes, or diagnostic quizzes.

2. Confusing '测验' (cèyàn) with '实验' (shíyàn)

Learners sometimes mix these up because they both involve 'testing' something in a lab-like setting.

  • Mistake: 我们在化学课上做了一个测验。 (We did a quiz in chemistry class - when you meant an experiment.)
  • Correction: 我们在化学课上做了一个实验。 (We did an experiment in chemistry class.)
  • Rule: 实验 is a scientific experiment to discover something new. 测验 is a test to check existing knowledge or performance.

3. Incorrect Collocation with '做' (zuò)

While '做测验' is acceptable in spoken Chinese, in formal writing, specific verbs are preferred.

  • Better: 进行测验 (Conduct a test) or 参加测验 (Take a test).

4. Misusing the Verb Form

When using 测验 as a verb, don't forget the object.

  • Mistake: 老师要测验。 (The teacher wants to test.) - This is too vague.
  • Correction: 老师要测验我们的词汇。 (The teacher wants to test our vocabulary.)

To truly master 测验, you must understand its relationship with other words in the 'evaluation' family. Here is a breakdown of its synonyms and near-synonyms.

1. 考试 (kǎoshì)
The big brother of 测验. It refers to formal examinations. Think of 测验 as a 'quiz' and 考试 as an 'exam'. 考试 usually has a significant impact on your grade or future.
2. 测试 (cèshì)
Very close to 测验, but more technical. It is used for machines, software, and standardized scientific measurements. If you are testing the speed of a car or the bugs in an app, use 测试.
3. 考查 (kǎochá)
This means to examine or check, often in a more observational or qualitative way. A teacher might '考查' your attendance or your general attitude, rather than giving you a written quiz.
4. 考核 (kǎohé)
This is primarily used in professional settings for performance reviews. Companies '考核' their employees' annual performance. It implies a formal evaluation against specific KPIs.
5. 评估 (pínggū)
To evaluate or assess the value or quality of something. You '评估' a situation, a property's value, or the impact of a policy. It is more analytical than 测验.

虽然这只是一次小测验，但它能反映出你的学习态度。

— Although this is just a small quiz, it reflects your learning attitude.

In summary, choose 测验 when the context is educational, psychological, or a small-scale check of knowledge. Choose 测试 for technical/scientific contexts, 考试 for formal exams, and 考核 for workplace evaluations.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Writing 3/5

Grammar to Know

Resultative complements (e.g., 测验完了)

Directional complements (e.g., 测验出来)

Passive voice with 被 (e.g., 被测验)

The '把' construction (e.g., 把测验做完)

Nominalization of verbs

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Examples by Level

1

明天有汉语测验。

Tomorrow there is a Chinese test.

Basic noun usage.

2

我不喜欢测验。

I don't like tests.

Subject + Verb + Object.

3

这是一个小测验。

This is a small quiz.

Using '小' as an adjective.

4

测验在三点开始。

The test starts at three o'clock.

Time expression + Verb.

5

测验难吗？

Is the test hard?

Question with '吗'.

6

我做完了测验。

I finished the test.

Verb + 完了 (completion).

7

老师，有测验吗？

Teacher, is there a test?

Polite inquiry.

8

测验有很多题。

The test has many questions.

Noun + 有 + Quantity.

1

这次数学测验很简单。

This math test was very simple.

Adjective '简单' modifying the noun.

2

他在准备明天的测验。

He is preparing for tomorrow's test.

Progressive aspect '在准备'.

3

你测验得了多少分？

How many points did you get on the test?

Verb + 得 + Complement.

4

我们需要做一个听力测验。

We need to do a listening test.

Specific type of test: 听力测验.

5

测验的结果出来了。

The test results are out.

Possessive '的' + Result.

6

老师正在改测验卷子。

The teacher is grading the test papers.

Action in progress.

7

如果你通过了测验，我就请你吃饭。

If you pass the test, I'll treat you to a meal.

Conditional '如果...就...'.

8

这个测验只有十分钟。

This quiz is only ten minutes.

Duration of time.

1

这种心理测验可以帮你了解自己。

This kind of psychological test can help you understand yourself.

Psychological context.

2

医生给我做了一个视力测验。

The doctor gave me a vision test.

Medical context.

3

我们需要测验一下这台新机器。

We need to test this new machine.

Verb usage with '一下'.

4

这次测验是为了检查大家的进度。

This quiz is to check everyone's progress.

Purpose clause '是为了'.

5

他在入职测验中表现得很好。

He performed very well in the pre-employment test.

Professional context.

6

测验的内容包括听、说、读、写。

The content of the test includes listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Listing components.

7

不要把测验看得太重，它只是练习。

Don't take the quiz too seriously; it's just practice.

Imperative '不要把...看得太重'.

8

这个测验能反映出你的真实水平。

This test can reflect your true level.

Abstract usage: reflecting level.

1

这次突击测验让学生们措手不及。

This pop quiz caught the students off guard.

Idiom '措手不及' (caught off guard).

2

通过这次测验，我们发现了系统中的漏洞。

Through this test, we discovered loopholes in the system.

Prepositional phrase '通过...'.

3

这种测验方法的科学性还有待商榷。

The scientific validity of this testing method is still open to debate.

Formal expression '有待商榷'.

4

生活本身就是对一个人意志的测验。

Life itself is a test of a person's will.

Metaphorical usage.

5

公司每年都会对员工进行职业道德测验。

The company conducts professional ethics tests for employees every year.

Formal '对...进行...测验'.

6

测验结果的准确性取决于样本的大小。

The accuracy of the test results depends on the sample size.

Logical connection '取决于'.

7

他没能通过那项严苛的体能测验。

He failed to pass that rigorous physical fitness test.

Adjective '严苛' (rigorous).

8

这次测验旨在评估新政策的可行性。

This test aims to evaluate the feasibility of the new policy.

Formal '旨在' (aims to).

1

该测验的信度和效度已经得到了广泛认可。

The reliability and validity of the test have been widely recognized.

Academic terms '信度' and '效度'.

2

这种标准化的测验往往忽略了学生的个性和创造力。

This kind of standardized testing often ignores students' individuality and creativity.

Critique of education.

3

历史是对一个民族韧性的终极测验。

History is the ultimate test of a nation's resilience.

Philosophical/Historical context.

4

我们需要通过一系列逻辑测验来筛选候选人。

We need to filter candidates through a series of logic tests.

Verb '筛选' (to filter/screen).

5

测验的设计必须遵循严格的心理测量学原则。

The design of the test must follow strict psychometric principles.

Technical term '心理测量学'.

6

他试图通过这个测验来证明自己的清白。

He tried to prove his innocence through this test.

Legal/Moral context.

7

测验中表现出的偏差引起了专家的关注。

The bias shown in the test has attracted the attention of experts.

Noun '偏差' (bias/deviation).

8

这种测验不仅考查知识，更考查临场应变能力。

This test evaluates not only knowledge but also the ability to adapt on the spot.

Structure '不仅...更...'.

1

这种测验本质上是对人类认知局限性的一种探索。

This test is essentially an exploration of the limitations of human cognition.

Deep philosophical inquiry.

2

在权力面前，一个人的道德底线将面临最严峻的测验。

In the face of power, a person's moral bottom line will face the most severe test.

Abstract moral context.

3

该测验的题目设计精巧，旨在剔除任何主观干扰。

The test questions are ingeniously designed to eliminate any subjective interference.

Advanced vocabulary '精巧', '剔除'.

4

测验的结果往往被过度解读，从而导致了教育的不公平。

Test results are often over-interpreted, leading to educational inequality.

Sociopolitical critique.

5

他将这次失败视为对自己意志力的一次深度测验。

He viewed this failure as a deep test of his willpower.

Reframing failure.

6

测验的范式正在从传统的纸笔模式向数字化转型。

The paradigm of testing is shifting from traditional paper-and-pencil modes to digitalization.

Academic term '范式' (paradigm).

7

我们必须警惕测验可能沦为社会分层的工具。

We must be wary that tests may degenerate into tools for social stratification.

Critical theory context.

8

测验的终极目的不应是筛选，而应是赋能。

The ultimate goal of testing should not be screening, but empowerment.

Philosophical contrast.

Common Collocations

小测验 (xiǎo cèyàn) - Small quiz
心理测验 (xīnlǐ cèyàn) - Psychological test
智商测验 (zhìshāng cèyàn) - IQ test
进行测验 (jìnxíng cèyàn) - To conduct a test
通过测验 (tōngguò cèyàn) - To pass a test
测验结果 (cèyàn jiéguǒ) - Test results
测验题目 (cèyàn tímù) - Test questions
性格测验 (xìnggé cèyàn) - Personality test
体能测验 (tǐnéng cèyàn) - Physical fitness test
模拟测验 (mónǐ cèyàn) - Mock test

Common Phrases

测验一下 (cèyàn yīxià) - Give it a quick test
突击测验 (tūjī cèyàn) - Pop quiz
阶段性测验 (jiēduànxìng cèyàn) - Periodic test
在线测验 (zàixiàn cèyàn) - Online quiz
口头测验 (kǒutóu cèyàn) - Oral test
书面测验 (shūmiàn cèyàn) - Written test
标准化测验 (biāozhǔnhuà cèyàn) - Standardized test
测验分数 (cèyàn fēnshù) - Test score
测验时间 (cèyàn shíjiān) - Test time
测验大纲 (cèyàn dàgāng) - Test syllabus

Often Confused With

测验 vs 测试

测验 vs 实验

测验 vs 考试

Idioms & Expressions

"真金不怕火炼 (zhēnjīn bùpà huǒliàn) - True gold does not fear the fire (a test of character)"
"优胜劣汰 (yōushèng liètài) - Survival of the fittest (often the result of testing)"
"经受考验 (jīngshòu kǎoyàn) - To withstand a test/trial"
"路遥知马力 (lùyáo zhī mǎlì) - Distance tests a horse's strength (time tests character)"
"真才实学 (zhēncái shíxué) - Real ability and learning (what tests aim to find)"
"一试便知 (yī shì biàn zhī) - One test and you'll know"
"屡试不爽 (lǚshì bùshuǎng) - Tested many times and never failed"
"百炼成钢 (bǎiliàn chénggāng) - Tempered into steel (tested through hardship)"
"磨刀不误砍柴工 (módāo bùwù kǎncháigōng) - Sharpening the knife (testing tools) doesn't delay the work"
"耳闻不如目见 (ěrwén bùrú mùjiàn) - Hearing is not as good as seeing (testing for oneself)"

Easily Confused

测验 vs

测验 vs

测验 vs

测验 vs

测验 vs

Sentence Patterns

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How to Use It

noun usage

It can be modified by many adjectives (e.g., 严格的, 简单的, 漫长的).

verb usage

When used as a verb, it often implies a short, focused action.

synonym choice

Choose '测验' over '考试' when the atmosphere is less formal.

Common Mistakes
  • Using '测验' for the Gaokao (use 考试).
  • Using '测验' for a chemistry experiment (use 实验).
  • Saying '我考试了测验' (incorrect grammar; say 我参加了测验).
  • Confusing the pronunciation with '侧面' (cèmiàn).
  • Using '测验' to mean 'to try a new food' (use 尝尝).

Tips

Context Matters

Always consider the stakes. If it's a small check, use 测验. If it's a final grade, use 考试. This shows you understand Chinese school culture.

Tone Accuracy

Both characters are 4th tone. Make them short and sharp. If you linger too long, it might sound like a different word.

Formal Verbs

In writing, pair 测验 with '进行' (conduct). This makes your Chinese sound more professional and native-like.

Compound Words

Learn 测验 as part of a family. Words like 预测 (predict) and 验证 (verify) share the same roots and logic.

Social Media Quizzes

Look for '性格测验' on WeChat to practice reading in a fun, low-pressure way. It's a great way to see the word in the wild.

Verb-Object

When using it as a verb, ensure the object is clear. You are testing 'something' or 'someone'. Don't leave the verb hanging.

Listen for 'Xiao'

Teachers often say '小测验' (little quiz) to make it sound less scary. If you hear '小', don't panic!

Asking for Results

Use the phrase '测验结果出来了吗？' to ask if the results are out. It's a very common and useful question.

The Horse and Water

Remember the radicals: Water (测) and Horse (验). You are measuring the water and checking the horse. That's a test!

B1 Mastery

At B1, focus on using 测验 in sentences about your studies and personal growth. It's a key word for this level.

Memorize It

Word Origin

The compound word '测验' appears in modern Chinese as a translation for Western educational and psychological concepts, though both characters have ancient roots.

Cultural Context

In traditional Chinese medicine, 'testing' might involve pulse-taking, but '测验' usually refers to modern Western diagnostic tests.

Personality tests (like MBTI) are currently very popular among young Chinese people, often referred to as '性格测验'.

Chinese students often have 'weekly tests' (周测) and 'monthly tests' (月测).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"你觉得明天的测验会难吗？ (Do you think tomorrow's test will be hard?)"

"你做过性格测验吗？ (Have you ever done a personality test?)"

"这次测验你得了多少分？ (What score did you get on this test?)"

"我们老师总是喜欢搞突击测验。(Our teacher always likes to give pop quizzes.)"

"你觉得测验能反映真实水平吗？ (Do you think tests can reflect true levels?)"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time you felt nervous about a 测验.

If you could design a 测验 for your friends, what would it be about?

Do you think 测验 are a good way to learn? Why or why not?

Write about the results of a 心理测验 you took recently.

How do you prepare for a 汉语测验?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, in an academic context, '测验' is the closest equivalent to 'quiz'. It refers to a short, often informal test used to check understanding. It is less intimidating than a full '考试' (exam).

Usually, for medical tests like blood or urine, the word '化验' (huàyàn) or '检查' (jiǎnchá) is preferred. However, '测验' can be used for vision or hearing tests.

You can say '参加测验' (cānjiā cèyàn) or '做测验' (zuò cèyàn). '参加' is slightly more formal and common in writing.

It is both. As a noun, it means 'a test'. As a verb, it means 'to test' or 'to evaluate'. For example, '老师测验我们' (The teacher tests us).

A pop quiz is called a '突击测验' (tūjī cèyàn), which literally means a 'sudden attack test'. It's a common term in Chinese schools.

While '测验' is occasionally used, '测试' (cèshì) is the standard term for software or hardware testing. '测验' is more human-centric.

It means 'psychological test'. It can refer to anything from a clinical assessment to a fun personality quiz you find on social media.

The HSK itself is an '考试' (exam), but within the HSK, you might encounter '测验' in the instructions or as a vocabulary word you need to know.

You say '我通过了测验' (Wǒ tōngguòle cèyàn) or '我测验及格了' (Wǒ cèyàn jígé le).

'测验' usually involves a specific set of questions or tasks, while '考查' is a broader term for examining or checking someone's performance or status over time.

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