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.
血液の検体を採取しました。
We collected a blood specimen.
検体を検査室に送ってください。
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.
この博物館には珍しい昆虫の標本があります。
This museum has rare insect specimens.
Loanword from English, used broadly for samples in testing, marketing, or quality control. Less formal than 検体.
製品のサンプルを無料で配布しています。
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.
試料を分析した結果、異常は見られませんでした。
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).
彼は勤勉な日本人の典型だ。
He is a specimen of the hardworking Japanese person.
この建物は江戸時代の建築の典型です。
This building is a specimen of Edo-period architecture.
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.
この作品は彼の芸術の代表例です。
This work is a specimen of his art.
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.
この種のオスの個体は珍しい。
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'.
その鳥の標本が一羽展示されている。
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.
尿の検体を提出してください。
Please submit a urine specimen.
この蝶の標本は100年前のものです。
This butterfly specimen is 100 years old.
新製品のサンプルをもらいました。
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.
彼は正直者の典型だ。
He is a specimen of honesty.
He is a model student, a real specimen.
この標本箱には蝶が一匹入っています。
This specimen box contains one butterfly.
I've never seen a specimen like that.