A1 Collocation Neutral 3 min read

試してみる

tameshite miru

try testing

Literally: to try and see

In 15 Seconds

  • Used to express giving something a try to see the result.
  • Combines 'to test' and 'to see' for a low-pressure vibe.
  • Works for food, hobbies, software, and new daily habits.

Meaning

This phrase means 'to give something a try' to see what happens. It is the perfect way to express that you are testing the waters with a new experience or method.

Key Examples

3 of 6
1

Ordering a new drink at a cafe

新しいラテを試してみる。

I'll try the new latte.

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2

Suggesting a new app to a colleague

このアプリ、試してみませんか?

Would you like to try this app?

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>
3

Texting a friend about a new workout

明日、ヨガを試してみるね!

I'm going to try yoga tomorrow!

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🌍

Cultural Background

The concept of 'Shokunin' (craftsmanship) often involves constant 'tameshite miru' to perfect a technique over decades. Limited edition (Gentei) products in Japan encourage a culture of 'trying it once' because the product will soon disappear. In Japanese business, 'PoC' (Proof of Concept) is often translated or described using '{試|ため}してみる' to lower the perceived risk of a new project. The phrase is often used in 'Trial Lessons' ({体験|たいけん}レッスン) for hobbies like piano or karate.

🎯

The 'Soft' Suggestion

Use '{試|ため}してみたら?' to give advice without sounding bossy. It's much more polite than saying 'You should do this.'

⚠️

Hiragana Only

Always write 'miru' in hiragana in this phrase. Using kanji {見|み}る is a common beginner mistake.

In 15 Seconds

  • Used to express giving something a try to see the result.
  • Combines 'to test' and 'to see' for a low-pressure vibe.
  • Works for food, hobbies, software, and new daily habits.

What It Means

Think of this as your 'why not?' phrase. It combines tamesu (to test) and miru (to see). Together, they mean you are trying something to check the result. You aren't committing to it forever. You are just seeing if you like it. It is lighthearted and adventurous. Use it when you are curious about a new flavor. Use it when you want to test a new app. It is all about the spirit of discovery.

How To Use It

Grammatically, this is a very friendly structure. You take the verb tamesu and turn it into the te-form. That gives you tameshite. Then you simply add miru. If you are talking to a boss, say tameshite mimasu. If you are talking to a friend, tameshite miru is perfect. You can even use it as a suggestion. Say tameshite mite! to tell a friend to try that weird spicy snack. It is like saying 'give it a whirl!'

When To Use It

This phrase is a social Swiss Army knife. Use it at a restaurant when ordering a mystery dish. Use it at a clothing store before heading to the fitting room. It works great in tech settings too. Tell your coworker you will 'try' a new coding shortcut. It shows you are open-minded. It also shows you are willing to learn. Even texting a friend about a new game works. It is low-pressure and very natural.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid this for very serious or dangerous things. Don't say you will tameshite miru a life-saving surgery. That sounds a bit too casual and scary! Also, don't use it for things you already know well. If you eat apples every day, don't say you'll 'try' one. It implies the outcome is unknown. If the result is certain, this phrase feels a bit silly. Keep it for the new and the unknown.

Cultural Background

Japanese culture often emphasizes the 'challenge' spirit. There is a lot of respect for people who 'try' things. Even if you fail, the act of trying is valued. This phrase reflects that 'give it a go' attitude. It lacks the heavy pressure of 'succeeding.' It focuses more on the experience itself. It is a very safe way to express interest. It allows you to explore without making a huge promise.

Common Variations

In casual speech, you might hear tameshitemiru shortened to tameshitemiru. Wait, that's the same! Actually, people often drop the 'i' in temiru to say tameshitemiru. In very polite settings, use tameshite mimasu. If you want to sound very humble, use tameshite mairimasu. For a cute, slangy vibe, some might say tameshi-chau. But stick to the standard version first. It is the most reliable and common.

Usage Notes

This is a neutral phrase that can be easily adjusted for formality. It is most commonly used in the 'te-miru' form to soften the action and express a sense of trial and error.

🎯

The 'Soft' Suggestion

Use '{試|ため}してみたら?' to give advice without sounding bossy. It's much more polite than saying 'You should do this.'

⚠️

Hiragana Only

Always write 'miru' in hiragana in this phrase. Using kanji {見|み}る is a common beginner mistake.

💬

Sample Culture

Don't be afraid to use this at department store food basements (Depachika). It's expected!

Examples

6
#1 Ordering a new drink at a cafe
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新しいラテを試してみる。

I'll try the new latte.

The speaker is curious about a new menu item.

#2 Suggesting a new app to a colleague
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

このアプリ、試してみませんか?

Would you like to try this app?

A polite suggestion in a professional but friendly setting.

#3 Texting a friend about a new workout
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明日、ヨガを試してみるね!

I'm going to try yoga tomorrow!

Sharing a new personal plan with a friend.

#4 Trying to talk to a stubborn cat
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

猫に英語で話しかけてみる。試してみる価値はある。

I'll try talking to the cat in English. It's worth a try.

A humorous take on trying something unlikely to work.

#5 Trying to fix a relationship
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もう一度、彼と話し合ってみる。

I will try talking with him one more time.

Using the phrase for a serious emotional attempt.

#6 Trying on clothes at a shop
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この靴、試してみてもいいですか?

May I try these shoes on?

Standard polite way to ask to try something in a store.

Test Yourself

Complete the sentence using the correct form of {試|ため}してみる.

{新|あたら}しいカフェに(     )。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {試|ため}してみます

The polite future/present form is '{試|ため}してみます'.

Which sentence is the most natural for trying on a dress?

Which one would you say to a shop assistant?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: このドレスを{試着|しちゃく}してみてもいいですか?

{試着|しちゃく} (shichaku) is the specific word for trying on clothes, combined with the '~te miru' pattern.

Fill in the response.

A: このアプリ、すごく{便利|べんり}だよ! B: へえ、じゃあ私も(     )。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {試|ため}してみるね

In a casual conversation with a friend, '{試|ため}してみるね' (I'll try it, okay?) is very natural.

Match the phrase to the situation.

Situation: You are suggesting a new study method to a struggling friend.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: この{方法|ほうほう}を{試|ため}してみたら?

The '~te mitara?' form is used for making friendly suggestions.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Complete the sentence using the correct form of {試|ため}してみる. Fill Blank A1

{新|あたら}しいカフェに(     )。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {試|ため}してみます

The polite future/present form is '{試|ため}してみます'.

Which sentence is the most natural for trying on a dress? Choose A2

Which one would you say to a shop assistant?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: このドレスを{試着|しちゃく}してみてもいいですか?

{試着|しちゃく} (shichaku) is the specific word for trying on clothes, combined with the '~te miru' pattern.

Fill in the response. dialogue_completion A1

A: このアプリ、すごく{便利|べんり}だよ! B: へえ、じゃあ私も(     )。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {試|ため}してみるね

In a casual conversation with a friend, '{試|ため}してみるね' (I'll try it, okay?) is very natural.

Match the phrase to the situation. situation_matching A2

Situation: You are suggesting a new study method to a struggling friend.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: この{方法|ほうほう}を{試|ため}してみたら?

The '~te mitara?' form is used for making friendly suggestions.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It's a bit rude to 'test' a person, but you can say you are 'testing' someone's skills ({能力|のうりょく}を{試|ため}す).

'Tameshite miru' is more about testing/evaluating, while 'yatte miru' is more about the action itself.

Yes, but use the polite form '{試|ため}してみます' or '{検討|けんとう}します'.

Use '{試|ため}してみたいです'.

Yes, but '{履|は}いてみる' (haite miru) is more specific and natural for footwear.

No, in this grammar pattern, 'miru' loses its visual meaning and just means 'to attempt'.

Yes, '{試|ため}してみた' means 'I tried it (and found out the result)'.

It's better to use '{挑戦|ちょうぜん}する' for very hard things.

It's neutral. It's safe to use with almost anyone if you use the polite '~masu' ending.

You can say '{試|ため}してみたけど、あまり好きじゃなかったです'.

Related Phrases

🔗

やってみる

similar

To give it a try (action-focused)

🔗

{試着|しちゃく}する

specialized form

To try on clothes

🔗

{試食|ししょく}する

specialized form

To sample food

🔗

{挑戦|ちょうぜん}する

builds on

To take on a challenge

🔗

{味見|あじみ}する

similar

To taste-test

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