てみる

try doing, see if…

Build a strong foundation of Japanese with a high-frequency grammar and real-world phrases.

てみる is a versatile Japanese expression used to indicate trying something out or doing something to see what happens. It translates as "try (doing something)" or "see if (something works)" in English. This structure allows speakers to express curiosity, willingness to take a risk, or exploration of new possibilities.

Formed by attaching みる ("to see") to the て-form of a verb, てみる conveys the idea of experimenting or testing an action to observe the results. Variations like てみたい ("want to try"), てみよう ("let’s try"), and てみたら ("how about trying") provide flexibility in tone and purpose. Whether expressing a desire to try, making a suggestion, or exploring a possibility, てみる is an essential tool for everyday conversation.

Structure

Verb［て］+ みる

Verb［て］+ みます (polite)

Verb［て］+ みたい

Verb［て］+ みよう

Verb［て］+ みたら

Negative Form:

Verb［て］+ みない

Verb［て］+ みません (polite)

Level

Key uses

1. Expressing intent to try or experiment with an action

てみる is widely used to indicate that someone wants to try or test an action to observe the results. It’s useful for describing attempts, experiments, or tests of something new.

[ Additional Insight ]

This use emphasizes curiosity and experimentation, making it perfect for exploring new experiences or actions. It reflects initiative and a willingness to test possibilities, often in casual or everyday scenarios.

2. Using past tense to describe tried experiences

てみた is often used to describe actions that have been tried in the past, allowing the speaker to comment on the results or the experience.

[ Additional Insight ]

This use focuses on reflection and evaluation of past experiences, allowing the speaker to share insights or outcomes from their actions. It’s great for personal storytelling or casual conversations.

3. Suggesting ideas in casual speech with てみよう or てみようか

In informal conversations, てみよう or てみようか is commonly used to suggest trying something togetheror exploring an idea. This is often seen in friendly or conversational contexts.

[ Additional Insight ]

This use highlights spontaneity and openness to ideas, creating a collaborative or exploratory tone. It’s particularly effective for group decisions or casual brainstorming among friends or peers.

4. Using formal or polite tones in requests with てみてもいいですか

When politely asking for permission to try something, てみてもいいですか is often used. This expression allows the speaker to ask respectfully, making it suitable for formal or polite situations.

[ Additional Insight ]

This use conveys respect and courtesy, making it suitable for formal or professional interactions. It’s a polite way to express interest in testing or experiencing something while ensuring proper etiquette.

5. Suggesting someone try something (てみたら)

If you combine てみる and the conditional form たら, you can express the triggering of a discovery. When a purposeful activity serves as the catalyst for the discovery, the meaning is "I tried XYZ, and as a result, this is what I learned."

[ Additional Insight ]

This use reflects curiosity or encouragement, making it perfect for casual recommendations or advice. It allows the speaker to suggest something gently and constructively, with the possibility of learning something new.

6. Expressing curiosity or desire to try (てみたい)

てみる often attaches to the verb suffix たい, as in てみたい, which indicates a desire to try doing something.

[ Additional Insight ]

This use conveys personal curiosity or interest, focusing on the speaker’s or someone else’s desire to explore or experiment. It’s a natural way to express interest in new experiences or actions.

7. Highlighting reluctance or absence of trying (てみない)

Use てみない as a casual invitation to suggest trying something together or encouraging someone to give it a try.

[ Additional Insight ]

This use emphasizes inclusivity and casual suggestion, making it ideal for inviting others to participate or explore something new together. It’s a friendly and approachable way to encourage action.

Comparisons

1. もう

まだ and もう are often paired as opposites. まだ describes something that is ongoing or not yet finished, while もう indicates that something has already happened or is no longer happening.

2. ませんか

ませんか is a softer and more indirect suggestion compared to ましょうか. While ませんか invites the listener to act, ましょうか often implies the speaker’s initiative to help or shared decision-making. Use ませんか to politely propose an idea and ましょうか when offering to participate or take action.