～てみる
To try to
Structure
Explanation
To express the idea of 'trying something out', the verb 見る (almost always written in hiragana) is attached to the て-form of another verb. Although this is often translated as 'to try to (A)', it carries the nuance of 'doing (A) to see what happens' or 'to see what it's like'.
This grammar pattern is typically used for actions that are being experienced for the first time.
- このゲーム、面白そう！今夜やってみる！This game looks fun! I'll give it a try tonight!
- この帽子、かぶってみる？Do you want to try on this hat?
As noted above, this construction can also be used to suggest that another person try something. In this case, the forms (A) + てみて, or for more politeness, (A) + てみてください are used.
- 先生に聞いてみて！きっと助けてくれるよ。Just try asking the teacher! I'm sure they will help you.
- こちらの番号に電話してみてください。Please try calling this number.
In very informal speech, the final る is sometimes omitted, resulting in (A) + てみ. This form often carries a nuance of 'go on, give it a shot!'
- このケーキ一口食べてみ。Try a bite of this cake.
Caution
When てみた is used in the past tense, it generally implies that the action was successfully carried out, unless the speaker states otherwise.
- 昨日、初めてヨガをしてみたんだけど、すごく気持ちよかった！I tried doing yoga for the first time yesterday, and it felt amazing!
- 有名なレストランで予約してみたけど、満席でだめだった。I tried to make a reservation at that famous restaurant, but they were fully booked so I couldn't.
Fun Fact
Although the kanji for 見る exists, it is rarely used for this grammar point. Writing it in kanji overemphasizes the literal meaning of 'to see' rather than 'to try', which can make the sentence sound unnatural to a listener or reader.
Examples
先生と話してみたいです。
I want to try talking with the teacher.
どうぞ、着てみてください。
Please, try it on.
一度、茶道をしてみたいです。
I want to try doing the tea ceremony once.
新しいカフェで、働いてみるつもりです。
I intend to try working at the new cafe.
昨日、ヨガをしてみた。
I tried yoga yesterday.
いつか、日本で暮らしてみたいんです。
Someday, I want to try living in Japan.
この薬を飲んでみてください。
Please try taking this medicine.
この本を読んでみます。
I will try reading this book.
その青いシャツを着てみたい。
I want to try on that blue shirt.
次の旅行は京都に新幹線で行ってみます。
For my next trip, I'm going to try going to Kyoto by bullet train.
週末は自分でピザを作ってみます。
This weekend, I'm going to try making pizza by myself.
来月から、ジムに通ってみるつもりです。
Starting next month, I intend to try going to the gym regularly.
休みの日に釣りをしてみる。
I'll try fishing on my day off.