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.
入学試験は来月です。
The entrance examination is next month.
入学試験の準備をしています。
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.
入試の結果が届いた。
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.
大学入試センター試験を受ける。
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.
大学入学試験に合格した。
I passed the university entrance examination.
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.
高校入試の勉強をしている。
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).
中学入試は競争が激しい。
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.
東京大学の入学試験は難しい。
The University of Tokyo's entrance exam is difficult.
医学部の入学試験を受ける。
I'm taking the medical school entrance exam.
The learner wants to express the action of taking or sitting for an entrance exam.
General verb meaning 'to take an exam'. Often used for entrance exams. Can be used alone or with the exam name.
来年、大学を受験する。
I'll take the university entrance exam next year.
Literally 'to take the entrance exam'. Very common and natural.
彼は東大の入試を受ける。
He's taking the University of Tokyo 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.
入試がんばって！
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.