test, try, attempt, experiment, ordeal
試 centers on putting something to the proof: testing, trying, or experimenting to see if it works or holds up. The ordeal sense is a severe form of testing.
試 combines 言 (speech, words) with 式, which likely contributes the sound and carries a sense of pattern or standard. The idea is testing or examining through words or a set form.
Words 言 are used to set a standard 式 for testing. Picture an examiner reading out a test script to try someone's knowledge.
For シ, imagine a teacher saying 'She passed the test!' — 'She' cues シ, and the test is the 試.
trial; test; try
match; game; bout; contest
examination; exam; test
attempt; trial; experiment
to try (out); to have a try (at); to test; to put to the test
entrance examination
trial manufacture; experiment; test piece; prototype
test; trial; ordeal; tribulation
to try; to attempt; to have a go (at)
making an attempt; trial run
trial and error
trial calculation; preliminary calculation; estimation
trying on clothes
sampling food; tasting; trying
preview; private showing
trial run; test run
sample; specimen; test piece
reagent
examination hall; examination room
touchstone (assaying tool)
tentative plan; draft plan
test of one's strength; test of one's ability
give it a try!
entrance examination