Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common way to refer to an entrance examination is 入学試験 (にゅうがくしけん), often shortened to 入試 (にゅうし). The specific term depends on the school level and context.
The learner wants to refer to an entrance examination in general, without specifying the school level.
The formal term for 'entrance examination'. Used for any school level, but most commonly for university. Can be shortened to 入試 in casual or abbreviated contexts.
The entrance examination is next month.
I'm preparing for the entrance examination.
Abbreviation of 入学試験. Very common in everyday speech and writing. Slightly less formal, but widely used.
The entrance exam results arrived.
The learner specifically means the exam for entering a university or college.
Specifically refers to university entrance examinations. Often used in the context of the competitive exam system.
I'm taking the National Center Test for University Admissions.
The full formal term for university entrance examination. Less common in casual conversation than 大学入試.
The learner wants to talk about the exam for entering senior high school.
Standard term for high school entrance examination. Used in everyday conversation and media.
I'm studying for the high school entrance exam.
The learner refers to the exam for entering a private or selective junior high school.
Refers to the entrance examination for junior high school, especially for private or national schools. Often associated with 受験 (taking exams).
The junior high school entrance exam is highly competitive.
The learner wants to say 'entrance exam for X school' or 'entrance exam for the music department'.
Attach the school or department name before の入学試験. This pattern works for any institution.
The University of Tokyo's entrance exam is difficult.
I'm taking the medical school entrance exam.
The learner wants to express the action of taking or sitting for an entrance exam.
In most everyday contexts, 入試 (にゅうし) is perfectly natural and widely understood. You don't need to use the full 入学試験 unless you want to sound very formal.
Good luck on your entrance exam!
試験 (しけん) is the standard word for 'examination' and is used in formal contexts like entrance exams. テスト is a loanword from English and often implies a smaller quiz or classroom test. For entrance exams, always use 試験 or 入試, not テスト.
I passed the university entrance examination.
He's taking the University of Tokyo entrance exam.