Translation guide
The English phrase "try to" expresses an attempt or effort to do something. In Japanese, this concept is conveyed through various grammatical patterns and verbs, each with different nuances regarding volition, difficulty, outcome, and formality.
Expressing that someone makes an effort or attempts to do something, with a focus on the attempt itself.
Attach to the volitional form of a verb. Indicates an attempt or effort to do something, often with a sense of striving. Can imply the action is about to start or is in progress.
彼は逃げようとした。
He tried to run away.
I am trying to solve the problem.
Attach to the te-form of a verb. Means "try doing something to see what happens" or "try something out." Emphasizes testing or experimenting.
この料理を食べてみてください。
Please try eating this dish.
新しい方法を試してみた。
I tried a new method.
Attach to the dictionary form of a verb. Means "make an effort to do something" or "try to ensure that one does something." Often used for habitual efforts or resolutions.
毎日運動するようにしている。
I try to exercise every day.
遅刻しないようにしてください。
Please try not to be late.
A verb meaning "to endeavor" or "to strive." More formal and implies a conscious, sustained effort.
彼は問題の解決に努めた。
He tried to solve the problem.
A somewhat literary verb meaning "to attempt" or "to try." Used for deliberate attempts, often in formal or written contexts.
新しい治療法を試みた。
They tried a new treatment method.
Expressing that someone tries to do something but encounters difficulty or fails.
Using 〜ようとする with a contrasting conjunction like が (but) to indicate an attempt that meets resistance or fails.
ドアを開けようとしたが、開かなかった。
I tried to open the door, but it wouldn't open.
Using 〜てみる in past tense with が to show that an attempt was made but the result was not as expected.
彼に連絡してみたが、返事がなかった。
I tried contacting him, but there was no reply.
Emphasizing the effort or struggle involved in attempting an action.
Combines 〜ようとする with 努力する (to make an effort). Strongly emphasizes the effort put into the attempt.
彼は試験に合格しようと努力した。
He tried hard to pass the exam.
Using 必死に (desperately, frantically) with 〜ようとする to convey a desperate attempt.
彼は必死に逃げようとした。
He tried desperately to escape.
Expressing that someone tries something new or as a test.
As above, 〜てみる is the primary way to say "try doing something to see what it's like."
寿司を食べてみたい。
I want to try eating sushi.
A verb meaning "to test" or "to try out." Used for trying methods, products, or ideas.
新しいソフトを試してみた。
I tried out the new software.
Expressing an intention or goal to do something, often with a sense of planning.
Means "intend to" or "plan to." While not a direct translation of "try to," it can be used when the attempt is based on a prior intention.
明日早く起きるつもりだ。
I intend to get up early tomorrow. (I'll try to get up early.)
〜ようとする focuses on the effort or attempt itself, often implying a challenge or difficulty. 〜てみる focuses on trying something out to see the result, with a nuance of experimentation. Use 〜ようとする when the attempt is the main point, and 〜てみる when you want to test or experience something.
彼は逃げようとした。（逃げることに努力した）
He tried to escape. (He made an effort to escape.)
逃げてみた。（逃げることがどうなるか試した）
I tried escaping. (I tested what would happen if I escaped.)
Do not directly translate 'try' as 試す (tamesu) with another verb. For example, 'try to open' is not 開けるのを試す but 開けようとする or 開けてみる. 試す is used for testing things, not for attempting actions.