Japanese grammar
What does ～てごらん mean? Japanese grammar N3
～てごらん means try ~ing (superior to subordinate).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vて + ごらん Vて + ごらんなさい |
| Romaji | tegoran |
| Meaning | try ~ing (superior to subordinate) |
Forming it
| Casual | 食べて → 食べてごらん |
|---|---|
| Full form | 読んで → 読んでごらんなさい |
How to use it
Encourages someone to try doing something. Only used from a superior position: parent to child, teacher to student.
- 「てごらん」 is a shortened form of 「てごらんなさい」 (the polite form of the honorific 見る verb 「ご覧になる」), with a meaning close to 「てみて」 but with a superior nuance.
- NEVER use it with a superior: saying 「部長、食べてごらん」 is a serious breach of etiquette — that situation calls for 「召し上がってみてください」.
- With equals, use 「～てみて」; with superiors, use 「～てみてください」.
Examples
このケーキ、食べてごらん。おいしいよ。
Try this cake. It’s delicious.
もう一度、自分で考えてごらんなさい。
Try thinking it over by yourself once more.
Keep in mind
- Only used with someone younger or a child.
- Attaches to the て form.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong部長、この資料を見てごらん。
Manager, please take a look at this document.
Correct部長、この資料をご覧になってみてください。
「てごらん」 is words from a superior to a subordinate — it cannot be used the other way around.
-
Wrongやるごらん。
Try doing it and see.
Correctやってごらん。
Must connect with the te-FORM.
Exam tips
- 「てごらん」 = try it (superior → subordinate); with a superior, use 「てみてください」.