Translation guide
The English word 'try' covers several distinct intentions: attempting an action, testing something out, making an effort, or sampling food/drink. Japanese uses different verbs and patterns for each, and the most common mistake is overusing 試す (tamesu) for general attempts.
Express that someone makes an attempt at an action, often with uncertainty about success.
Attach to the te-form of a verb to mean 'try doing something and see what happens'. This is the most natural way to say 'try to V' for a concrete attempt.
このケーキを食べてみてください。
Please try this cake.
新しいレストランに行ってみた。
I tried going to the new restaurant.
Means 'to test' or 'to try out' something to see if it works or is suitable. Often used for methods, products, or abilities.
Not used for trying food or attempting an action for the first time without a testing nuance.
Means 'to take on a challenge' or 'to try something difficult'. Implies a greater degree of effort or risk.
来年、JLPT N1に挑戦します。
I will try the JLPT N1 next year.
Colloquial combination of やる (to do) and 〜てみる. Very common in casual speech.
Express that someone tries hard or makes an effort to achieve something.
Means 'to make an effort' or 'to strive'. Used for sustained effort toward a goal.
彼は成功するために努力した。
He tried hard to succeed.
Express trying something to see if it works, is good, or suits one's needs.
Express trying a small amount of food or drink to taste it.
Used with verbs like 食べる (eat) or 飲む (drink) to mean 'try eating/drinking'.
このお菓子、食べてみて。
Try this snack.
Means 'to taste-test', often used in cooking contexts.
Express an attempt in formal or written contexts.
〜てみる is for trying an action to see what happens or how it feels. 試す is for testing the functionality, quality, or effectiveness of something. Use 〜てみる for first-time experiences and 試す for experiments.
納豆を食べてみた。
I tried eating natto.
新しい掃除機を試した。
I tried the new vacuum cleaner.
English speakers often mistakenly use 試す for any 'try'. For simple attempts like 'try to open the door', use 〜てみる (開けてみる) not 試す.
彼に電話してみたけど、出なかった。
I tried calling him but he didn't answer.
新しい方法を試してみよう。
Let's try a new method.
ちょっとやってみるよ。
I'll give it a try.
Means 'to do one's best' or 'to persevere'. Very common in daily encouragement and self-motivation.
試験に合格できるように頑張ります。
I'll try my best to pass the exam.
Literally 'try to do as much as possible'. A natural way to say 'try my best' in a casual context.
できるだけやってみるけど、約束はできない。
I'll try my best, but I can't promise.
The primary verb for testing functionality, effectiveness, or suitability.
このアプリを試してみてください。
Please try this app.
Specifically means 'to try on' clothes or accessories.
このジャケットを試着してもいいですか？
May I try on this jacket?
Try the soup (to check the taste).
Formal/literary verb meaning 'to attempt' or 'to try'. Often used in writing or speeches.
新しい治療法が試みられた。
A new treatment was tried.