Translation guide
The English word 'experiment' can refer to a scientific test, a trial of something new, or the act of trying things out. In Japanese, different words and phrases are used depending on the context.
A controlled test or investigation to discover, verify, or demonstrate something.
The most common and general word for a scientific experiment. Used in academic, laboratory, and everyday contexts.
化学の実験をしました。
We did a chemistry experiment.
その実験は成功した。
The experiment was successful.
Can mean 'test' or 'trial', often used in engineering or quality testing. Less common for pure science experiments.
新しい薬の臨床試験が行われている。
Clinical trials for the new drug are being conducted.
An attempt to do something in a new way, or a trial of an idea or method.
An attempt or trial, often with a sense of innovation or challenge. Can be used for non-scientific experiments.
新しい教授法の試みが始まった。
An experiment with a new teaching method has begun.
A common phrase meaning 'to try doing something as an experiment' or 'to give it a try'. Very natural in casual conversation.
試しにこのレシピで作ってみよう。
Let's experiment with this recipe.
Can also be used metaphorically for non-scientific trials, especially when the outcome is uncertain.
The process or practice of trying things out, often in creative or exploratory contexts.
Used as an abstract noun, often in phrases like 'experimentation is important'.
芸術には実験が必要だ。
Art requires experimentation.
実験 (jikken) is the standard word for scientific experiments and can be used metaphorically. 試み (kokoromi) emphasizes an attempt or trial, often with a sense of innovation, and is less technical.
The verb form 〜てみる (te miru) means 'to try doing something' and is a very natural way to express experimenting with an action. For example, 食べてみる (tabete miru) = 'try eating (to see what it's like)'.
新しい生活スタイルを実験してみる。
I'm going to experiment with a new lifestyle.
Trial and error; emphasizes the iterative process of experimenting.
試行錯誤を繰り返して、ついに成功した。
After repeated experimentation, we finally succeeded.