In 15 Seconds
- Means 'to try asking' or 'ask and see'.
- Softens requests and inquiries to sound less pushy.
- Combines the verb 'to ask' with 'to try/see'.
Meaning
This phrase is a friendly way to say you'll try asking someone something to see what happens. It's less about the final answer and more about the simple act of checking in or giving it a shot.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a busy restaurant without a reservation
席があるか、聞いてみるね。
I'll try asking if they have any seats.
Texting a friend about a party
田中くんも来るか聞いてみて！
Try asking if Tanaka-kun is coming too!
In a professional office setting
部長にスケジュールを聞いてみます。
I will try asking the manager about the schedule.
Cultural Background
The use of '-te miru' reflects the Japanese preference for 'soft' communication. It avoids the bluntness of a direct question, making the interaction feel more like a shared exploration. In business, 'kiite miru' is often a precursor to 'nemawashi' (informal consensus building). It's a way to test an idea without committing to it formally. Younger generations often use 'kiite miru' on social media to crowdsource information in a low-pressure way. Staff will often say 'kiite mimasu' when they don't have an immediate answer, showing they are willing to go the extra mile to find out for you.
Use 'Chotto' for extra naturalness
Adding 'chotto' (a little/just) before 'kiite miru' makes you sound like a native speaker. 'Chotto kiite miruね!'
Don't use Kanji for 'miru'
Always write 'miru' in hiragana when it's part of this phrase. Using the kanji 見る makes it look like you're literally staring at the person's mouth.
In 15 Seconds
- Means 'to try asking' or 'ask and see'.
- Softens requests and inquiries to sound less pushy.
- Combines the verb 'to ask' with 'to try/see'.
What It Means
聞いてみる is your go-to phrase for 'giving it a shot' by asking. It combines the verb kiku (to ask) with the helper verb miru (to try). Think of it as 'ask and see.' It turns a direct question into a low-pressure experiment. You aren't demanding an answer. You are just checking the vibe. It is perfect for those 'maybe' moments in life.
How To Use It
You use the te-form of the verb kiku. Just add miru right after it. To make it polite, change it to kiite mimasu. If you are telling a friend to ask, say kiite mite. It is incredibly flexible. You can use it for almost any inquiry. It works for both spoken and written Japanese. It sounds natural and approachable in most daily conversations.
When To Use It
Use it when you aren't 100% sure of the outcome. Use it at a restaurant to check for a table. Use it when texting a friend about their weekend plans. Use it at work to see if a colleague is busy. It is great for low-stakes situations. It shows you are being proactive but not pushy. If your cat is looking at you weirdly, you might even joke about 'asking' them what's wrong.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase if the situation is extremely serious. Do not use it when asking for a major promotion. It might sound a bit too casual or non-committal. If you are talking to a CEO, use ukagau instead. Also, do not use it if you already know the answer. It implies a sense of discovery or trial. Using it for a fact you already know sounds confusing. Keep it for the unknowns.
Cultural Background
Japanese culture values 'soft' communication. Being too direct can sometimes feel aggressive or rude. By adding miru, you soften the impact of the verb. It suggests you are just testing the waters. This reflects the concept of enryo or being reserved. It allows the other person an easy way to say no. It is a very polite way to navigate social boundaries. It makes the interaction feel more like a shared exploration.
Common Variations
You will often hear kiite mimasu in shops or offices. Friends will say kiite miru ne when they promise to check something. In a casual setting, kiite mina yo means 'hey, why don't you ask?' If you are talking to yourself, you might say kiite miyou. Each variation keeps that same 'try and see' spirit. It is a very versatile tool for your language kit.
Usage Notes
The phrase is generally neutral to polite. Use 'kiite miru' with friends and 'kiite mimasu' in professional or public settings to remain respectful.
Use 'Chotto' for extra naturalness
Adding 'chotto' (a little/just) before 'kiite miru' makes you sound like a native speaker. 'Chotto kiite miruね!'
Don't use Kanji for 'miru'
Always write 'miru' in hiragana when it's part of this phrase. Using the kanji 見る makes it look like you're literally staring at the person's mouth.
The 'I don't know' buffer
If you don't know an answer, 'kiite mimasu' is much more polite than just saying 'shirimasen' (I don't know).
Examples
6席があるか、聞いてみるね。
I'll try asking if they have any seats.
The speaker is checking availability without expecting a guaranteed 'yes'.
田中くんも来るか聞いてみて！
Try asking if Tanaka-kun is coming too!
A casual request for a friend to gather information.
部長にスケジュールを聞いてみます。
I will try asking the manager about the schedule.
Using the polite 'mimasu' form for a workplace context.
お母さんに、僕のケーキ食べたか聞いてみる。
I'm going to try asking Mom if she ate my cake.
A slightly suspicious but casual inquiry within the family.
彼の本当の気持ちを聞いてみるつもりです。
I intend to try asking him about his true feelings.
Shows a gentle approach to a sensitive, emotional topic.
在庫があるか聞いてみましょうか？
Shall I try asking if they have it in stock?
Offering to help someone by making an inquiry.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of '{聞|き}いてみる'.
{分|わ}からないから、{先生|せんせい}に____。
The sentence means 'I don't know, so I'll try asking the teacher.' The te-form + miru is required.
Which sentence is the most natural way to suggest asking a friend?
Choose the best option:
The volitional form '-you' is used for 'Let's...'
Fill in the blank in the dialogue.
A: {明日|あした}のパーティー、{田中|たなか}さんは{来|く}る？ B: {分|わ}からない。____。
B is saying they will check and see, which is a future action.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are at a restaurant and want to know if they have a vegetarian menu.
You ask the staff (tenin-san) at a restaurant.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises{分|わ}からないから、{先生|せんせい}に____。
The sentence means 'I don't know, so I'll try asking the teacher.' The te-form + miru is required.
Choose the best option:
The volitional form '-you' is used for 'Let's...'
A: {明日|あした}のパーティー、{田中|たなか}さんは{来|く}る？ B: {分|わ}からない。____。
B is saying they will check and see, which is a future action.
Situation: You are at a restaurant and want to know if they have a vegetarian menu.
You ask the staff (tenin-san) at a restaurant.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsTechnically yes, but in 95% of contexts, it means 'try asking.' If you want to say 'try listening,' Japanese people usually say 'kiite mite.'
Yes, but use the polite form: '{聞|き}いてみます' (kiite mimasu). It's a very safe and professional phrase.
'Kiite miru' is casual (friends), and 'kiite mimasu' is polite (work/strangers).
It's better to use 'kiite mimasu' or 'kiite mite mo ii desu ka?' (May I try asking?) to be safe.
It comes from the idea of doing something and then 'seeing' the result. It's a common pattern for many verbs in Japanese.
Related Phrases
{尋|たず}ねてみる
synonymTo try inquiring/visiting.
{聞|き}いておく
similarTo ask in advance.
{聞|き}き{出|だ}す
specialized formTo get information out of someone.
{聞|き}きなおす
builds onTo ask again/re-listen.
