实验(shí yàn) - experiment in Mandarin

实验 (shí yàn) is an experiment in the ordinary scientific sense: a controlled trial you set up to find something out. It is a noun most of the time, and the verb you pair it with is 做, so 做实验 is to run an experiment.

It also works as a verb on its own and as a modifier. 实验室 is a laboratory, 实验数据 is experimental data, and a school can call itself 实验小学 to signal that it teaches an experimental curriculum.

The trap is 经验, which is pronounced jīng yàn and means experience. The two share 验 and sit next to each other in a beginner's ear, but 实验 is something you do deliberately and 经验 is what you are left with afterwards. Note also that 试验 (shì yàn) exists and leans towards trial or testing of equipment rather than scientific enquiry.