Translation guide
The English word 'trying' can express attempting something, testing something, or describing a difficult experience. This guide covers natural Japanese ways to express these ideas.
Expressing that someone makes an effort to do something, often with uncertainty of success.
The most common way to say 'try doing something' to see what happens or how it goes. Attach to the te-form of a verb.
この新しいレストランに行ってみよう。
Let's try going to this new restaurant.
ちょっと食べてみてください。
Please try a bite.
Emphasizes the attempt or effort, often when the outcome is uncertain or the action is difficult. Attach to the volitional form of a verb.
彼は逃げようとしたが、捕まった。
He tried to run away but was caught.
問題を解決しようとしています。
I'm trying to solve the problem.
Means 'to try' in the sense of taking on a challenge, often for the first time or with a goal.
来年、JLPT N1に挑戦するつもりです。
I plan to try the JLPT N1 next year.
Means 'to try' or 'to test' something to see if it works or is effective. Often used for methods, products, or abilities.
新しい方法を試してみた。
I tried a new method.
Expressing that someone tries something out to evaluate it, such as food, a product, or an experience.
Again, the default for trying something out. Works for tasting, testing, or sampling.
このケーキを食べてみたい。
I want to try this cake.
新しいスマホを使ってみた。
I tried using the new smartphone.
Specifically means 'to sample food', often used in stores or markets.
スーパーでチーズを試食した。
I tried (sampled) cheese at the supermarket.
Means 'to try on clothes'.
このジャケットを試着してもいいですか？
May I try on this jacket?
Expressing that a situation or person is hard to endure, annoying, or demanding.
A common adjective meaning 'tough', 'hard', or 'difficult'. Can describe situations or people.
今日は本当に大変な一日だった。
Today was a really trying day.
彼は大変な人だ。
He is a trying person.
Means 'painful', 'hard', or 'distressing' emotionally or physically. Often used for trying experiences.
Means 'unbearable' or 'intolerable', used when someone or something is extremely trying.
彼の態度は我慢ならない。
His attitude is trying (unbearable).
〜てみる is for trying something to see the result or experience. 〜ようとする emphasizes the effort or attempt, often when success is not guaranteed.
納豆を食べてみた。
I tried natto (to see what it's like).
納豆を食べようとしたが、できなかった。
I tried to eat natto but couldn't.
試す (tamesu) means to test functionality or effectiveness. For trying food, clothes, or activities, use 〜てみる or specific verbs like 試食する, 試着する.
日本語を勉強しようとしています。
I'm trying to learn Japanese.
このケーキを食べてみて。
Try this cake.
大変な一週間だった。
It's been a trying week.
That experience was very trying.