Japanese grammar
What does ～てみる mean? Japanese grammar N3
～てみる means try doing ~ (to see what happens).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vて + みる Vて + みたい Vて + みてください |
| Romaji | temiru |
| Meaning | try doing ~ (to see what happens) |
Forming it
| Basic form | 食べて → 食べてみる |
|---|---|
| Wanting to try | 行って → 行ってみたい |
| Suggesting a try | 使って → 使ってみてください |
How to use it
Try doing something to see the result. The action must be intentional.
- 「てみる」 = try doing. 「みる」 is written in HIRAGANA because it has lost its original meaning “to see” — writing 「食べて見る」 is a spelling mistake.
- The forms 「てみたい」 (want to try) and 「てみてください」 (please try) are commonly used.
- Because the action must be intentional, it cannot combine with a non-volitional verb: 「分かってみる」 is wrong.
Examples
この店のラーメンを一度食べてみたい。
I'd like to try the ramen at this restaurant once.
難しそうだが、まずやってみます。
It looks hard, but I will give it a try first.
Keep in mind
- 「みる」 is written in hiragana.
- Not combined with volitionless verbs (分かる・できる…).
Common mistakes
-
Wrongこの料理を食べて見ました。
I tried this dish.
Correctこの料理を食べてみました。
「てみる」 is written in hiragana because it no longer means “to see”.
-
Wrong答えが分かってみる。
I tried thinking about the answer.
Correct答えを考えてみる。
「てみる」 only combines with volitional verbs.
Exam tips
- 「てみる」 = try doing; written in hiragana, only with volitional verbs.