Mastering 〜てみる in Japanese

If you’re learning Japanese, you’ve likely come across the phrase 〜てみる (te miru). This little-known but essential grammar point is a game-changer for expressing curiosity, experimentation, or trying something new.

In this extensive guide, we’ll reveal everything you need to know about 〜てみる, including its meaning, usage, and mind-blowing examples that will take your Japanese to the next level. Don’t miss out on this must-know Japanese grammar point—here’s why it’s so important!

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What is 〜てみる in Japanese?

〜てみる is a Japanese grammar structure that combines the te-form of a verb with the auxiliary verb みる (miru), which means “to see” or “to try.” Together, 〜てみる translates to “try to do something” or “give something a try.” It’s used when you want to express the idea of experimenting with an action or attempting something for the first time.

For example:

• 食べてみる (tabete miru) – Try to eat / Give eating a try.
• 読んでみる (yonde miru) – Try to read / Give reading a try.

This structure is incredibly versatile and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. Whether you’re trying new food, testing a new skill, or experimenting with a hobby, 〜てみる is your go-to expression.

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How to Use 〜てみる: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Conjugate the Verb into its Te-Form

To use 〜てみる, you first need to conjugate the verb into its te-form. Here’s a quick refresher on how to do that:

• Group 1 (U-verbs): Change the final -u sound to -te or -de (e.g., 書く → 書いて, 飲む → 飲んで).
• Group 2 (Ru-verbs): Replace る with て (e.g., 食べる → 食べて).
• Irregular Verbs: する → して, 来る → 来て (きて).

Step 2: Add みる

Once you have the te-form, simply add みる to the end of the verb. For example:

• 見る (miru) → 見てみる (mite miru) – Try to watch.
• 作る (tsukuru) → 作ってみる (tsukutte miru) – Try to make.

Step 3: Adjust for Politeness

In casual conversations, 〜てみる is perfectly fine. However, in formal situations, you can use 〜てみます (te mimasu) to sound more polite. For example:

• 食べてみます (tabete mimasu) – I will try to eat.

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When to Use 〜てみる

1. Trying Something New

〜てみる is often used when you’re trying something for the first time. It conveys a sense of curiosity or experimentation.

• Example: この料理を食べてみたいです。
  Romaji: Kono ryouri o tabete mitai desu.
  Translation: I want to try this dish.

2. Testing an Idea or Hypothesis

You can also use 〜てみる to test an idea or see how something works.

• Example: この方法を試してみましょう。
  Romaji: Kono houhou o tameshite mimashou.
  Translation: Let’s try this method.

3. Encouraging Someone to Try Something

〜てみる is great for encouraging others to give something a try.

• Example: このゲームをやってみて！
  Romaji: Kono geemu o yatte mite!
  Translation: Try playing this game!

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Nuances of 〜てみる vs. Other “Try” Expressions

〜てみる vs. 〜ようとする

While 〜てみる means “to try something to see how it is,” 〜ようとする means “to attempt to do something.”

• Example:
• 食べてみる (tabete miru) – Try eating (to see how it tastes).
• 食べようとする (tabeyou to suru) – Attempt to eat (but might not succeed).

〜てみる vs. 〜てみせる

〜てみせる means “to try something to show someone else.”

• Example:
• やってみる (yatte miru) – Try doing something.
• やってみせる (yatte miseru) – Try doing something to show someone.

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Negative and Past Tense Forms of 〜てみる

Negative Form: 〜てみない

Use 〜てみない to say “not try” or 〜てみなかった to say “didn’t try.”

• Example:
• 食べてみない (tabete minai) – I won’t try eating.
• 食べてみなかった (tabete minakatta) – I didn’t try eating.

Past Tense: 〜てみた

Use 〜てみた to say “tried.”

• Example:
• 食べてみた (tabete mita) – I tried eating.

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Casual vs. Polite Forms

Casual: 〜てみる

• Example: やってみる (yatte miru) – I’ll try doing it.

Polite: 〜てみます

• Example: やってみます (yatte mimasu) – I will try doing it.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Confusing 〜てみる with 〜ておく

• Incorrect: 食べておく (tabete oku) – Eat in advance.
• Correct: 食べてみる (tabete miru) – Try eating.

Mistake 2: Using 〜てみる for Future Intentions

• Incorrect: 明日、食べてみる (ashita, tabete miru) – Tomorrow, I’ll try eating.
• Correct: 明日、食べてみたい (ashita, tabete mitai) – Tomorrow, I want to try eating.

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Advanced Usage in Compound Sentences

With Conditionals (〜たら)

• Example: 食べてみたら、美味しかった (tabete mitara, oishikatta) – When I tried eating it, it was delicious.

With Conjunctions (〜ので、〜けど)

• Example: やってみたけど、難しかった (yatte mita kedo, muzukashikatta) – I tried doing it, but it was hard.

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Cultural Context

In Japanese culture, 〜てみる is often used when trying new foods, activities, or experiences.

• Example: 日本の温泉に入ってみたい (Nihon no onsen ni haitte mitai) – I want to try entering a Japanese hot spring.

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Example Sentences: 〜てみる in Action

Here are ten jaw-dropping example sentences that showcase the versatility of 〜てみる. Each sentence includes romaji and English translation to help you master this grammar point.

1. この本を読んでみました。
   Romaji: Kono hon o yonde mimashita.
   Translation: I tried reading this book.
2. 新しいレストランに行ってみたい。
   Romaji: Atarashii resutoran ni itte mitai.
   Translation: I want to try going to the new restaurant.
3. このシャツを着てみてもいいですか？
   Romaji: Kono shatsu o kite mite mo ii desu ka?
   Translation: Can I try on this shirt?
4. 日本語で話してみてください。
   Romaji: Nihongo de hanashite mite kudasai.
   Translation: Please try speaking in Japanese.
5. この薬を飲んでみたら、元気になりました。
   Romaji: Kono kusuri o nonde mitara, genki ni narimashita.
   Translation: After trying this medicine, I felt better.
6. 彼のアドバイスを聞いてみました。
   Romaji: Kare no adobaisu o kiite mimashita.
   Translation: I tried listening to his advice.
7. このアプリを使ってみたら、便利でした。
   Romaji: Kono apuri o tsukatte mitara, benri deshita.
   Translation: When I tried using this app, it was convenient.
8. この映画を見てみたいと思っています。
   Romaji: Kono eiga o mite mitai to omotte imasu.
   Translation: I’m thinking of trying to watch this movie.
9. この方法を試してみたら、成功しました。
   Romaji: Kono houhou o tameshite mitara, seikou shimashita.
   Translation: When I tried this method, it worked.
10. このゲームをやってみたら、面白かったです。
    Romaji: Kono geemu o yatte mitara, omoshirokatta desu.
    Translation: When I tried playing this game, it was fun.

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Fill in the Blanks: Test Your Knowledge

Now that you’ve learned about 〜てみる, it’s time to test your skills! Fill in the blanks with the correct form of 〜てみる.

1. このケーキを__。 (食べる)
2. あの映画を__。 (見る)
3. 新しいカフェに__。 (行く)
4. このシャツを__。 (着る)
5. 日本語で__。 (話す)
6. この方法を__。 (試す)
7. 彼のアドバイスを__。 (聞く)
8. このアプリを__。 (使う)
9. この本を__。 (読む)
10. このゲームを__。 (やる)

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Answers to Fill in the Blanks

1. 食べてみる
2. 見てみる
3. 行ってみる
4. 着てみる
5. 話してみる
6. 試してみる
7. 聞いてみる
8. 使ってみる
9. 読んでみる
10. やってみる

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Why 〜てみる is a Must-Know Grammar Point

Mastering 〜てみる is essential for anyone looking to achieve fluency in Japanese. It’s a versatile and practical grammar point that allows you to express curiosity, experimentation, and encouragement. By incorporating 〜てみる into your daily conversations, you’ll sound more natural and confident in Japanese.

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Final Thoughts

The 〜てみる structure is a proven way to elevate your Japanese skills. Whether you’re trying new foods, testing out hobbies, or encouraging others, this grammar point is a must-know for every Japanese learner. Don’t make the mistake of overlooking it—start using 〜てみる today and watch your Japanese reach legendary levels!

Before it’s too late, practice the examples and fill-in-the-blank exercises in this guide. Guaranteed, you’ll see a breakthrough in your language mastery.

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• JAPANESE
  • Japanese – Advanced
  • Japanese – Beginner
  • Japanese – Intermediate

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