How to say "trial" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 裁判さいばんsuru verb, transitive verb, no-adjectiveThe legal sense: a trial in court, where a case is heard and judgment handed down; the word also covers judgement itself. Use it for criminal and civil trials, not for tests or ordeals.
- 試しためしnounA trial in the sense of trying something out to see whether it works or suits you — a test or a try. It is not the word for a court case or an ordeal.
- nounThe loanword, for a trial as a test run or trial period — trying a product or service out before committing — rather than a court case or an ordeal.
- 試練しれんnounA trial in the figurative sense: an ordeal or tribulation that tests someone's character, endurance, or faith. This is the word for hardships one must overcome, not for court cases or product tests.
- 予選よせんnounA trial only in the competition sense: a preliminary round or qualifying heat that decides who advances to the main event. For court cases, tests, or ordeals, this is not the word.
Use 裁判 for a court trial, 「試し」 for trying something out, 「トライアル」 for a test run or trial period, 試練 for an ordeal that tests you, and 予選 for a qualifying round or heat.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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