Translation guide
The English word "specimen" can refer to a sample for testing, a typical example of something, or an individual organism. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each meaning.
A small amount of a substance or tissue taken for medical, scientific, or quality testing.
Most common term for a medical or laboratory specimen (blood, urine, tissue, etc.). Used in clinical and research contexts.
We collected a blood specimen.
Please send the specimen to the lab.
Refers to a preserved specimen for study or display, such as in a museum or biology collection. Also used for statistical samples.
This museum has rare insect specimens.
Loanword from English, used broadly for samples in testing, marketing, or quality control. Less formal than 検体.
We are giving out free product specimens.
Formal term for a test sample or specimen, often used in scientific or industrial contexts. More common in written reports.
Analysis of the specimen showed no abnormalities.
A person or thing that perfectly represents a particular type, characteristic, or quality.
The standard term for a typical example or model. Often used in phrases like 典型例 (typical case).
He is a specimen of the hardworking Japanese person.
Literally 'sample' or 'model', can be used for a person or thing that serves as a perfect example, often in a positive sense.
Means 'representative example'. Used when something is a prime specimen of its kind.
A single living organism, especially when considered as an example of its species or type. Sometimes used humorously for a person.
Biological term for an individual organism. Neutral and scientific.
Male specimens of this species are rare.
Counter for small animals, fish, insects. Used when referring to a single specimen in a collection or observation.
Japanese uses different counters for different types of organisms (e.g., 一頭 for large animals, 一羽 for birds). Choose the correct counter instead of a generic word for 'specimen'.
One specimen of that bird is on display.
Very casual, often derogatory or humorous term for a person. Can translate 'specimen' when referring to a dubious or peculiar individual.
Can be offensive; use only in very informal contexts among close friends.
検体 is strictly for medical/lab specimens (blood, tissue). 標本 is for preserved biological or geological specimens, often in collections. サンプル is a general loanword for any sample, including free product samples.
Please submit a urine specimen.
This butterfly specimen is 100 years old.
I received a specimen of the new product.
Do not use 検体 or 標本 to mean 'a typical example of a person'. Those words sound unnatural and overly clinical. Use 典型 or 見本 instead.
He is a specimen of honesty.
This building is a specimen of Edo-period architecture.
彼は学生の見本のような人だ。
He is a model student, a real specimen.
This work is a specimen of his art.
この標本箱には蝶が一匹入っています。
This specimen box contains one butterfly.
あんな奴は見たことがない。
I've never seen a specimen like that.