Translation guide
A personality test is an assessment designed to measure aspects of an individual's character or psychological makeup. In Japanese, the most common term is 性格診断 (seikaku shindan), which literally means 'personality diagnosis'. This is widely used for informal online quizzes as well as more formal psychological assessments. Other terms like 性格検査 (seikaku kensa) are used in clinical or professional settings.
The most common way to refer to a personality test, especially the fun, informal type found online or in magazines.
The standard term for 'personality test'. It is used for both casual online quizzes and more structured assessments. Literally 'personality diagnosis'.
この性格診断、すごく当たってる！
This personality test is really accurate!
ネットで無料の性格診断をやってみた。
I tried a free personality test online.
A more direct translation using the loanword テスト. Common in casual contexts, but slightly less natural than 性格診断 for online quizzes.
この性格テストで自分のタイプがわかるよ。
You can find out your type with this personality test.
When referring to a scientifically validated personality assessment used in psychology, HR, or clinical settings.
The formal term for a psychological personality test. Used in clinical, educational, and corporate contexts. Implies a standardized, validated instrument.
採用選考で性格検査を受けた。
I took a personality test as part of the job selection process.
この性格検査は信頼性が高い。
This personality test has high reliability.
Uses the loanword パーソナリティ (personality). Common in HR and organizational psychology. Slightly more technical than 性格検査.
新入社員はパーソナリティ検査を受ける必要がある。
New employees need to take a personality test.
When referring to a specific branded personality test by name.
For well-known tests like MBTI or Enneagram, simply use the name followed by 診断 (shindan) or use the name alone. Often the English abbreviation is used directly.
MBTI診断をやってみたら、INFPだった。
I took the MBTI test and turned out to be INFP.
エニアグラム診断でタイプ4と出た。
I got Type 4 on the Enneagram test.
性格診断 (seikaku shindan) is the everyday term for personality quizzes and tests, often found in magazines or online. 性格検査 (seikaku kensa) is the formal term used in psychology, clinical settings, and HR. Using 性格検査 for a fun online quiz would sound overly stiff.
To say 'take a personality test', use 受ける (ukeru) for formal tests (性格検査を受ける) and やる (yaru) or やってみる (yatte miru) for casual ones (性格診断をやる).
性格診断をするのが大好きです。
I love taking personality tests.
その会社は応募者全員に性格検査を受けさせます。
The company requires all applicants to take a personality test.
Literally 'aptitude test'. Often includes personality components but is broader, measuring suitability for a job or task. Not a pure personality test.
適性検査の結果、営業に向いていると言われた。
The aptitude test results said I'm suited for sales.