How to Use 〜てみる (Try Doing Something) in Japanese

One of the best parts of learning Japanese is discovering expressions that help you sound more natural and confident when speaking. Today, let’s take a look at a super useful expression: 〜てみる, which means “try doing something.”

Whether you’re trying a new food, visiting a new place, or testing out a new skill, 〜てみる is your go-to grammar pattern!

What Does 〜てみる Mean?

The expression 〜てみる is used when you try something out or do something to see what happens. It’s a great way to express experimentation, curiosity, or exploration.

Think of it like saying:

• “I’ll try doing it”
• “Let me give it a try”
• “I’ll see what it’s like if I do this”

How to Form 〜てみる

It’s super simple! Just follow this formula:

Te-form of the verb + みる

Let’s see some examples:

You can also conjugate みる like a regular る-verb to express past or negative:

• 食たべてみた = I tried eating it
• やってみなかった = I didn’t try doing it

Example Sentences

Let’s bring it to life with real examples:

1. このラーメン、おいしそう！食たべてみよう。
   This ramen looks delicious! Let’s try it.
2. その日本語にほんご、もう一回使いっかいつかってみて！
   Try using that Japanese word one more time!
3. 前まえから気きになってたカフェに行いってみたよ。
   I tried going to that café I was curious about.
4. ちょっとやってみます！
   I’ll give it a try!
5. あのゲーム、面白おもしろそうだからやってみたい。
   That game looks fun, so I want to try it.

Tips for Using 〜てみる Naturally

• Use it when you’re not sure of the result, or when you’re just giving something a go.
• It’s casual but very natural – perfect for daily conversations.
• It’s also great to encourage someone gently:
  →「やってみて！」(Try it!)

Practice Challenge

Try making a few sentences using 〜てみる!
Here are some ideas to start with:

• Try watching a Japanese drama
• Try cooking Japanese food
• Try speaking Japanese with a friend

Example:
日本にほんのドラマを見みてみたい！
I want to try watching a Japanese drama!

Final Thoughts

The grammar 〜てみる is simple, but powerful. It opens up your ability to express curiosity, courage, and exploration in Japanese. Don’t be afraid to try it out – that’s exactly what it’s for!

If you enjoyed this explanation and want more helpful grammar tips, follow along or join our Japanese learning community!

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