Translation guide
The English word 'quiz' can refer to a short test, a trivia game, or a pop quiz. In Japanese, different words are used depending on the context.
A brief, often informal test in an educational setting, sometimes unannounced.
The most common term for a short test or quiz in school. Literally 'small test'.
明日、小テストがあります。
We have a quiz tomorrow.
The teacher gave a pop quiz.
Used for quizzes in a game-like or trivia context, but can also refer to short tests, especially in language learning apps.
英語のクイズをしましょう。
Let's do an English quiz.
General word for 'test'. Can be used for quizzes, but implies something more formal or longer than 小テスト.
今日は漢字のテストがある。
We have a kanji quiz today.
A game or competition where participants answer questions, often for entertainment.
The standard term for a trivia quiz, quiz show, or quiz game.
クイズ番組が好きです。
I like quiz shows.
友達とクイズで遊んだ。
I played a quiz game with my friends.
Refers to riddles or brain teasers, often used in a playful context. Not exactly a quiz, but sometimes overlaps.
A surprise test given without prior notice.
Literally 'surprise test'. Commonly used for pop quizzes.
今日、抜き打ちテストがあった。
We had a pop quiz today.
Combines 'surprise' with 'short test' for a more precise pop quiz.
抜き打ちの小テストで慌てた。
I panicked at the pop quiz.
小テスト is specifically a short, often informal test in school. クイズ is used for trivia or game-like quizzes. テスト is a general test, which can be longer and more formal. For a pop quiz, use 抜き打ちテスト or 抜き打ちの小テスト.
なぞなぞを出して！
Give me a riddle!