てご覧
(Please) try to, (Please) look
Structure
Verb［て］+ ごらんなさい
Explanation
てご覧 is a polite Japanese expression that functions much like なさい. It is commonly translated as 'go ahead and (A)' or 'why don't you try (A)', where (A) is the action that attaches to ご覧 via its verb's て-form.
- 分からないことがあったら、先生に聞いてごらん。きっと優しく教えてくれるよ。If there's something you don't understand, try asking the teacher. I'm sure they'll kindly explain it to you.
- 静かにして、耳を澄ましてごらん。鳥の声が聞こえるよ。Be quiet and listen carefully. You can hear the birds singing.
Although it is often translated as 'please try', the character 覧 literally means 'to view' or 'to see'. Because of this, てごらん carries a similar nuance to てみる (to try doing something), but with the added feeling of a gentle suggestion to 'do something and see what happens', without any pressure.
Caution
Since ご覧 is a form of polite language, it is always directed at someone else. Therefore, you cannot use it for actions you intend to perform yourself. It is used exclusively to make suggestions to another person.
- このジュース、飲んでごらん。すごく新鮮で美味しいよ。Go on, try this juice. It's incredibly fresh and delicious.
Caution
Sometimes, ごらん is followed by なさい. This combination makes the suggestion stronger and can be interpreted as a soft command. For this reason, ごらんなさい is typically used by people in a senior position (like parents or teachers) when encouraging someone younger or of lower status to do something.
- ほら、自分の部屋を見てごらんなさい。こんなに散らかして、恥ずかしくないの？Now, just look at your room. Aren't you ashamed of making such a mess?
Examples
このケーキを食べてごらん。とてもおいしいよ。
Try eating this cake. It's really delicious.
この曲を聞いてごらん。きっと気に入るよ。
(Try) listening to this song. I'm sure you'll like it.
この箱を開けてごらん。中にプレゼントが入っているよ。
Try opening this box. There's a present inside.
この本を読んでごらんなさい。色々なことが学べるから。
Try reading this book. You can learn a lot from it.
すぐに諦めないで、もう少し考えてごらん。
Don't give up right away, try thinking about it a little more.
ほら、立ってごらん。もう歩けるよ。
Come on, try to stand up. You can walk now.
空を描いてごらん。好きな色を使っていいよ。
Try drawing the sky. You can use any colors you like.
先生に聞いてごらん。きっと優しく教えてくれるから。
(Why don't you) try asking the teacher? I'm sure they'll explain it kindly.
みんなの前で歌ってごらん。恥ずかしがらないで。
Try singing in front of everyone. Don't be shy.
このペンを使ってごらん。すごく書きやすいよ。
Try using this pen. It's really easy to write with.
目を閉じてごらん。何が聞こえる？
Try closing your eyes. What can you hear?
自分のことを信じてごらん。君ならできる。
Try to believe in yourself. You can do it.