Signification
to attempt something new
Contexte culturel
In Russian job interviews, saying you want to 'попробовать свои силы' is seen as a sign of healthy ambition and honesty. It suggests you are aware that you have room to grow. Young athletes are often encouraged to 'попробовать свои силы' in older age groups to build character, reflecting the value of 'закалка' (tempering/hardening). Russian students often 'try their forces' in 'Olympiads' (subject competitions). It is a matter of pride to simply participate, even if you don't win. The phrase is often used by artists when switching genres, showing respect for the difficulty of the new craft.
The 'In' Preposition
Always use 'в' + Prepositional case after this phrase to specify the activity (e.g., в бизнесе, в спорте).
Plural Only
Never say 'попробовать свою силу' unless you are literally talking about testing the physical strength of one muscle.
Signification
to attempt something new
The 'In' Preposition
Always use 'в' + Prepositional case after this phrase to specify the activity (e.g., в бизнесе, в спорте).
Plural Only
Never say 'попробовать свою силу' unless you are literally talking about testing the physical strength of one muscle.
Job Interviews
Use this phrase to sound motivated but realistic. It shows you are ready for a challenge.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Я хочу попробовать ______ силы в дизайне.
In Russian idioms involving the subject's own actions, the reflexive pronoun 'свои' is required.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'He tried his hand at writing'?
Выберите правильный вариант:
The idiom is 'попробовать свои силы' (plural).
Match the situation to the correct use of the phrase.
Ситуация: Вы идете на кастинг в кино.
This is the standard, idiomatic way to express this in a professional setting.
Complete the dialogue.
— Ты никогда не занимался бизнесом. Не боишься? — Боюсь, но всё равно хочу ______.
The verb 'попробовать' is the correct partner for 'свои силы'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesЯ хочу попробовать ______ силы в дизайне.
In Russian idioms involving the subject's own actions, the reflexive pronoun 'свои' is required.
Выберите правильный вариант:
The idiom is 'попробовать свои силы' (plural).
Ситуация: Вы идете на кастинг в кино.
This is the standard, idiomatic way to express this in a professional setting.
— Ты никогда не занимался бизнесом. Не боишься? — Боюсь, но всё равно хочу ______.
The verb 'попробовать' is the correct partner for 'свои силы'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, for food just use 'попробовать' (e.g., попробовать пиццу). 'Попробовать свои силы' is only for activities and challenges.
It is always 'свои силы'. Russian uses the reflexive 'свои' for the subject's own things, and the idiom requires the plural 'силы'.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your teacher, or your best friend.
'Попытаться' is just 'to try.' 'Попробовать свои силы' specifically means you are testing your ability to do something new.
Yes: 'Я попробовал свои силы в футболе' (I tried my hand at football).
It's possible but sounds less natural. 'Свои' is usually included.
Yes, very often when talking about entering new markets or starting new projects.
No, it implies that you don't know yet and you are testing the possibility.
Usually no. It's for new challenges or a higher level of a challenge.
There isn't a direct opposite idiom, but 'сдаться' (to give up) or 'не рисковать' (not to risk) are related concepts.
Expressions liées
испытать себя
similarto test oneself
попытать счастья
similarto try one's luck
проба пера
specialized formfirst attempt at writing
рискнуть
similarto take a risk
