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한국어
시험 — meaning in English: exam
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examination
가능성
ganeungseong
부하
buha
개선
gaeseon
시험
siheom
둥지
dungji
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neutral
very common
Usage
Native Korean speakers commonly use the word 시험 in educational settings, such as schools and universities, when discussing assessments or tests. For example, students might say, '이번 주에 시험이 있어요,' meaning 'I have an exam this week.' It's also prevalent in conversations about job qualifications, where people might mention 시험 in the context of professional certification tests.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym of 시험 is 테스트 (test), but 시험 typically refers to formal examinations, while 테스트 can refer to both formal and informal assessments. You would choose 시험 when specifically discussing school exams or standardized tests, while 테스트 might be more suitable for practical skills evaluations or casual quizzes.
Culture
The word 시험 can be traced back to Classical Chinese, where it was used in the context of examinations for civil service positions, highlighting its deep-rooted importance in Korean culture. In South Korea, the significance of exams is emphasized through events like the Suneung, the college entrance exam, which is a major milestone for students and often celebrated with much fanfare, showcasing the cultural weight attached to academic success.
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