How to say "examination" in Japanese

• 試験しけんJLPT N4approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbThe default word for an examination as a formal test of knowledge or ability — school examinations, entrance examinations, qualification examinations. Use this when 'examination' means a test someone sits.
  とにかく、試験しけんが終おわってほっとしたよ。↗

  Anyhow, I'm relieved the test is over.
• 調査ちょうさJLPT N3approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbCovers 'examination' only in the sense of investigation — an inquiry into facts, causes, or conditions, such as an examination of the cause of an accident. It is never a test you sit.
  その調査ちょうさは進行中しんこうちゅうです。↗

  The investigation is under way.
• 検査けんさJLPT N3approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbExamination as inspection or checking — examining something to assess its condition, such as a customs or factory inspection or a medical examination. Not a test of knowledge.
  子宮癌しきゅうがんの検査けんさをしていただきたいのです。↗

  I'd like to have a Pap smear done.
• テストJLPT N5approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbThe loanword, covering a test of ability or knowledge and quizzes; it overlaps with 試験 and has a lighter, more casual feel, making it common for school tests.
  私は数学すうがくのテストの結果けっかに満足まんぞくしています。↗

  I am satisfied with the result of my math test.
• 検討けんとうJLPT N3approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbExamination in the sense of study and consideration: examining a plan, proposal, or problem in order to decide about it, as when a committee examines a proposal. Not used for tests or physical inspections.
  私わたしたちはその件けんを詳細しょうさいに検討けんとうした。↗

  We debated the matter at length.

Use 試験 or 「テスト」 for tests of knowledge or ability, 検査 for inspecting or checking something such as a medical test, 調査 for investigating facts, and 検討 for considering a plan or proposal.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 試験しけんexamination
• 調査ちょうさinvestigation
• 検査けんさinspection (e.g. customs, factory)
• テストtest (of ability, knowledge, etc.)
• 検討けんとうconsideration
• 審査しんさjudging
• 調べしらべinvestigation
• 尋問じんもんquestioning
• 取り調べとりしらべinvestigation (e.g. by police or prosecutors)
• 考査こうさexamination
• 検問けんもんinspection
• 検分けんぶんinspection
• 検定けんていofficial certification
• 審問しんもんtrial
• エグザミネーションexamination
• 試問しもんinterview
• 査閲さえつinspection
• 推問すいもんinvestigation (e.g. crime)
• 試しtesting
• チェックcheck
• 検閲けんえつinspection
• 改めあらためexamination
• 詮議せんぎinvestigation (into a suspect)