試練

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: Spelling: 試練. Reading: しれん. Core meaning: ordeal; trial.
• Basic usage: Representative examples: 突然の故障は新人の技師にとって大きな試練だった / 物語の主人公は幾つもの試練を乗り越える.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Ordeal versus examination
  • 試練 is a difficult experience or obstacle that tests a person's ability or resolve. Distinguish it from 試験, an examination that evaluates knowledge with set questions.