1.
regular examination; periodic test
An examination held at fixed intervals, especially the midterm and final exams in Japanese schools. Also used for regularly scheduled professional or medical examinations.
来週は定期試験だ。
We have regular exams next week.
定期試験の範囲がまだ発表されていない。
The scope of the periodic exam hasn't been announced yet.
定期試験が終わったら、友達と遊びに行く約束をしている。
I've promised to go out with friends after the regular exams are over.
A compound of 定期 (regular, periodic) and 試験 (examination, test). In Japanese schools, 定期試験 typically refers to the midterm (中間) and final (期末) exams held each term. Most Japanese middle and high schools hold these exams two to three times per year.
During 定期試験 periods, club activities are usually suspended so students can focus on studying. Results significantly influence report card grades.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 定期試験の勉強: studying for regular exams
- 定期試験の範囲: exam scope
- 定期試験の結果: exam results
- 定期試験期間: exam period
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 中間試験: midterm exam — a specific type of 定期試験
- 期末試験: final exam — another specific type
- 実力テスト: achievement test — tests overall ability, not tied to a specific unit of study
- 小テスト: quiz — shorter, less formal test covering recent material