Meaning
The kanji 験 is your go-to character for anything involving proof, testing, or checking results. If you are studying for the JLPT, you will see it constantly. It describes the process of examining something to confirm its truth, quality, or effectiveness. Whether you are taking a math test or gaining life experience, this kanji captures that moment of trial and verification.
The character's history is fascinating. It combines the radical 馬 (horse) on the left with 僉 (thoroughness/gathering) on the right. In ancient times, horses were vital for survival and war. Before buying or riding one, you had to inspect it thoroughly for health and speed. This act of "horse-testing" eventually evolved to mean any form of logical or scientific verification. Despite its high 18-stroke count, it is taught in 4th grade in Japan because the words it forms are part of daily life.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み)
ケン (Ken): This is the most frequent reading. You will use it for academic tests, scientific trials, and general experiences. Most students memorize this reading first.
ゲン (Gen): This less common reading usually refers to spiritual effects or the specific "efficacy" of something. For example, it describes the power of a prayer or the immediate effect of a potent medicine.
試験 (shiken) — Exam, test, or trial.
経験 (keiken) — Experience (general knowledge gained over time).
実験 (jikken) — Experiment (physical or scientific verification).
霊験 (reigen) — Miraculous efficacy or divine sign.
Kun'yomi (訓読み)
In modern conversation, 験 rarely stands alone as a native Japanese word. You might see it in literature read as あかし (akashi) or しるし (shirushi), meaning "proof" or "sign." However, for these meanings, Japanese people almost always use the kanji 証 or 印 instead. As a learner, focusing on the ケン reading is the most efficient path.
Common Words & Compounds
Mastering 験 is easier if you group its vocabulary into three main areas: school, science, and life.
Academic Life:
受験 (juken) — Taking an entrance exam.
受験生 (jukensei) — A student specifically studying for a major exam.
追試験 (tsuishiken) — A make-up exam or supplementary test.
Science and Investigation:
検証 (kenshō) — Verification or legal inspection.
治験 (chiken) — A clinical trial for new medication.
検分 (kenbun) — Official inspection of a scene.
Personal Growth:
体験 (taiken) — Hands-on, personal experience (e.g., a workshop).
未経験 (mikeiken) — Lacking experience; a total beginner.
効験 (kōken) — The effectiveness or benefit of a treatment.
Example Sentences
あしたは日本語の試験があるので、今夜は早めに寝ます。
ashita wa nihongo no shiken ga aru node, kon'ya wa hayame ni nemasu.
I have a Japanese exam tomorrow, so I’m going to bed early tonight.
アルバイトをしたいですが、まだ経験がありません。
arubaito wo shitai desu ga, mada keiken ga arimasen.
I want to do a part-time job, but I don't have any experience yet.
マウスを使って、新しい薬の実験をしています。
mausu wo tsukatte, atarashii kusuri no jikken wo shite imasu.
They are using mice to conduct experiments on a new medicine.
お寺で座禅を体験しました。
otera de zazen wo taiken shimashita.
I had a hands-on experience practicing Zazen at a temple.
未経験の方でも、ていねいに教えます。
mikeiken no kata demo, teinei ni oshiemasu.
We will teach you carefully, even if you have no prior experience.
Related Kanji
- 究 — To Seek the Truth and Master the Depths (Kanji N4)
- 教 — Teach, Instruction, Faith (Kanji N4)
- 力 — Power, Strength, Force (Kanji N4)
- 題 — Topic, Subject, Problem (Kanji N4)
- 業 — Business, Vocation, Arts, Karma (Kanji N4)
- 知 — Know, Wisdom, Intellect (Kanji N4)
Memory Tip
Think of the radical 馬 (horse) and a person carefully checking its teeth. Before you trust a horse to take you across the country, you must put it through a rigorous exam. The high stroke count mirrors the complexity of a real-life experience. Just remember: "Test the horse (馬) before you trust the ride."