In 15 Seconds
- To give a text a try without full commitment.
- Combines 'read' with the auxiliary verb for 'try'.
- Perfect for recommendations, browsing, or testing your skills.
Meaning
It means to give a book or text a try to see if you like it or understand it. It's like saying 'I'll give it a read' without committing to finishing the whole thing.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a bookstore with a friend
この本、面白そうだから読んでみる。
This book looks interesting, so I'll try reading it.
A teacher recommends a news article
そのニュース、後で読んでみます。
I will try reading that news later.
Texting a friend about a manga link
リンク送ってくれてありがとう！読んでみるね。
Thanks for the link! I'll give it a read.
Cultural Background
The culture of 'Tachiyomi' (standing and reading) is very common in Japanese bookstores and convenience stores. Saying 'yonde miru' is the verbal equivalent of this behavior. Using '~te miru' is a way to avoid 'dantei' (assertion). Japanese speakers often prefer to sound less certain to remain humble and avoid conflict. With thousands of manga series available, Japanese readers often 'yonde miru' the first chapter for free on apps like Shonen Jump+ before buying. Japanese teachers often use 'yonde mite' to encourage students. It focuses on the effort of trying rather than the result of being correct.
Hiragana is Key
Always write 'miru' in hiragana when using it as 'try to.' It looks much more natural to native speakers.
Don't Overuse with Bosses
Saying 'yonde miru' to a superior about a task they gave you can sound non-committal. Use 'yomasete itadakimasu' instead.
In 15 Seconds
- To give a text a try without full commitment.
- Combines 'read' with the auxiliary verb for 'try'.
- Perfect for recommendations, browsing, or testing your skills.
What It Means
Imagine you are at a cozy bookstore in Tokyo. You see a manga with a cool cover. You aren't sure if you'll like the story. You decide to give it a shot. That feeling of 'giving it a go' is 読んでみる. It combines 読む (to read) and みる (to see). Together, they mean 'read and see what happens.' It is a very low-pressure way to talk. You aren't promising to finish the whole book. You are just testing the waters. It is the linguistic equivalent of a free sample.
How To Use It
To use this phrase, you need the て form. Take the verb 読む (yomu). Change it to 読んで (yonde). Then just add みる (miru) at the end. It works like a helper verb. You can change the ending to fit the mood. Use 読んでみます (yonde mimasu) to be polite to a teacher. Use 読んでみた (yonde mita) when telling a friend you tried it. It is like adding 'give it a try' to your sentence. It is one of the most useful patterns in Japanese.
When To Use It
Use this when you are browsing. Maybe you are at a cafe with a magazine. Or you are looking at a long text from a friend. It is perfect for suggestions too. If a friend likes a book, say 読んでみるね (I'll try reading it). It shows you are open to their recommendation. Use it when looking at a menu in a new restaurant. It sounds much more natural than just saying 'I will read.' It adds a nice layer of curiosity to your speech.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this if you are already halfway through. If you are definitely going to finish it, just use 読む. Also, avoid it in very high-stakes situations. If your boss gives you a contract, don't say you'll 'try' reading it. That might sound like you aren't taking it seriously. It implies a bit of 'maybe I will, maybe I won't.' Stick to plain 読みます for serious duties. You don't want to sound like you're just 'testing' your work tasks.
Cultural Background
Japanese people love the 〜てみる construction. It reflects a humble and cautious culture. By saying 'try,' you avoid sounding too bold or certain. It leaves room for you to change your mind. In Japan, being flexible is a social virtue. This phrase lets you explore without making a big deal of it. It is the linguistic version of 'no strings attached.' It makes you sound more considerate and less demanding.
Common Variations
You will hear 読んでみて (yonde mite) a lot. This is a friendly way to say 'try reading this!' Your friends might say it when they lend you a book. Another one is 読んでみよう (yonde miyou). This means 'let's try reading it.' It is great for study groups. If you want to sound very casual, try 読んでみるわ (yonde miru wa). The variations are endless, but the 'try' feeling stays the same.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile. Use hiragana for 'miru' when it follows the 'te' form. It can be made formal by changing 'miru' to 'mimasu' or casual by keeping it as 'miru'.
Hiragana is Key
Always write 'miru' in hiragana when using it as 'try to.' It looks much more natural to native speakers.
Don't Overuse with Bosses
Saying 'yonde miru' to a superior about a task they gave you can sound non-committal. Use 'yomasete itadakimasu' instead.
The 'Kana' Nuance
Add 'kana' to the end ({読|よ}んでみようかな) to sound like you're talking to yourself while browsing a bookstore.
Accepting Recommendations
When someone suggests a book, saying 'Yonde mimasu!' is the perfect polite way to acknowledge them without promising you'll become a superfan.
Examples
6この本、面白そうだから読んでみる。
This book looks interesting, so I'll try reading it.
A very common casual way to express interest in a book.
そのニュース、後で読んでみます。
I will try reading that news later.
Using the polite 'mimasu' form for a respectful context.
リンク送ってくれてありがとう！読んでみるね。
Thanks for the link! I'll give it a read.
The 'ne' at the end adds a friendly, conversational touch.
漢字が難しいけど、頑張って読んでみる！
The kanji are hard, but I'll try my best to read them!
Expresses a challenge or an attempt at something difficult.
何これ？宇宙語？一応読んでみるわ。
What is this? Space language? I'll try reading it for now.
The 'wa' and 'ichio' (for now) add a humorous, skeptical tone.
大切な手紙だから、ゆっくり読んでみます。
It's an important letter, so I'll try reading it slowly.
Shows care and intention in the action of 'trying' to read.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence using the correct form of {読|よ}んでみる.
この{本|ほん}、{面白|おもしろ}そうだからちょっと（ ）。
The sentence expresses a future intent to try reading, so the dictionary form '{読|よ}んでみる' is correct.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I tried reading it'?
Choose the best option:
The past polite form of 'miru' is 'mimashita.'
Fill in the student's response.
Teacher: 「この{漢字|かんじ}を{読|よ}んでみてください。」 Student: 「はい、（ ）。」
The student should respond with the polite 'try' form to match the teacher's request.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are at a bookstore and want to tell your friend you'll check out a manga.
This is the casual way to express intent to try reading.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Reading Commitment Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercisesこの{本|ほん}、{面白|おもしろ}そうだからちょっと（ ）。
The sentence expresses a future intent to try reading, so the dictionary form '{読|よ}んでみる' is correct.
Choose the best option:
The past polite form of 'miru' is 'mimashita.'
Teacher: 「この{漢字|かんじ}を{読|よ}んでみてください。」 Student: 「はい、（ ）。」
The student should respond with the polite 'try' form to match the teacher's request.
Situation: You are at a bookstore and want to tell your friend you'll check out a manga.
This is the casual way to express intent to try reading.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes! You can use it for emails, text messages, signs, or any written material.
It's better to use the more formal 'yomasete itadakimasu' if referring to company materials.
'Yonde miru' is 'I will try reading,' while 'yonde mitai' is 'I want to try reading.'
No, that's redundant. Just 'yonde miru' is enough to mean 'try reading.'
The form 'yonde miru' is casual. Use 'yonde mimasu' to be polite.
It comes from the idea of 'doing something and seeing the result.'
Yes, if you are reading the script. If you are watching the movie, use 'mite miru.'
You say '{読|よ}んでみたけど、{難|むずか}しかったです。'
No, it specifically implies you might not finish it; you're just giving it a try.
Yes, 'Menu o yonde miru' is perfectly fine when you're trying to figure out what to eat.
In very casual speech, 'yonde mi' is used as a command to 'try reading it.'
The negative is '{読|よ}んでみない' (I won't try reading it).
Yes, if you are reading the lyrics on a screen or paper.
Extremely common! Characters often say it when they find a mysterious book or scroll.
Related Phrases
{読|よ}んでおく
similarTo read in advance
{読|よ}み{終|お}わる
contrastTo finish reading
{読|よ}み{始|はじ}める
builds onTo start reading
{読|よ}み{返|かえ}す
similarTo reread
{試読|しどく}する
specialized formTo sample a book (formal)
