書いてみる
kaite miru
try writing
Literally: {"\u66f8\u304f":"to write","\u3066":"te-form particle (connects verbs)","\u307f\u308b":"to see \/ to try"}
In 15 Seconds
- Try writing something without pressure.
- Uses the te-form + `みる` (to try).
- Good for practice, creativity, and new tasks.
- Avoid in very formal or high-stakes situations.
Meaning
This phrase is your go-to for saying you're going to try something out, especially writing, without any pressure. It’s like saying, “I’ll give it a whirl!” It carries a light, experimental vibe, perfect for when you're dipping your toes into a new task or just want to see what happens.
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend about a new hobby
最近、小説を書いてみることにしたんだ。
Lately, I've decided to try writing a novel.
Practicing Japanese calligraphy
この漢字、ゆっくり書いてみます。
I'll try writing this kanji slowly.
Brainstorming for a blog post
ブログのネタ、何か書いてみようかな。
Maybe I'll try writing something for the blog topic.
Cultural Background
In Japan, 'trying' is often seen as more important than 'succeeding.' Using {書|か}いてみる shows a commendable spirit of effort (ganbaru). Calligraphy is a meditative practice. The act of 'trying' a stroke over and over is a way to focus the mind. Japan has a massive stationery culture. Shops like Itoya or Loft have 'trial corners' specifically for you to {書|か}いてみる. Japanese teachers often use ~てみて to encourage students, creating a safe space where mistakes are part of the 'seeing' process.
Use Hiragana for 'miru'
Even though you know the kanji for 'see' is {見|み}る, always write it in hiragana when using it as 'try to.' It makes you look like a pro!
Don't use with 'can'
You can't say {書|か}いてみられる to mean 'can try writing.' Instead, use {書|か}いてみることができる.
In 15 Seconds
- Try writing something without pressure.
- Uses the te-form + `みる` (to try).
- Good for practice, creativity, and new tasks.
- Avoid in very formal or high-stakes situations.
What It Means
This phrase is all about giving something a shot. It means you're going to try writing, but with a relaxed attitude. Think of it as saying, “I’ll give it a go!” or “Let’s see how this turns out.” It’s not about perfection; it’s about the attempt. It’s like trying on a new outfit – you’re just checking it out. It carries a sense of low stakes and curiosity. You're not promising a masterpiece, just an effort.
How To Use It
You use 書いてみる when you want to express the action of attempting to write something. The てみる (te-miru) structure is super common in Japanese. It attaches to the te-form of a verb. So, you take the verb 書く (kaku - to write), change it to its te-form 書いて (kaite), and then add みる (miru - to try/see). This combination signals an experiment or an attempt. It’s like saying, “I’ll try to write this sentence,” or “Let me try writing that story.” It’s versatile for different writing tasks, big or small.
Real-Life Examples
Imagine you're learning Japanese and want to practice writing kanji. You could say, 「この漢字、書いてみます。」 (Kono kanji, kaite mimasu.) - "I'll try writing this kanji." Or maybe you're brainstorming ideas for a blog post. You might tell a friend, 「ブログの記事、何か書いてみようかな。」 (Burogu no kiji, nanika kaite miyou kana.) - "Maybe I'll try writing something for the blog post." It’s also great for creative writing prompts. Someone might say, 「このお題で詩を書いてみる。」 (Kono ondai de shi o kaite miru.) - "I'll try writing a poem with this theme." It’s everywhere! It’s like the Japanese version of a shrug and a “Why not?”
When To Use It
Use 書いてみる when you're feeling a bit adventurous or just want to test the waters. It's perfect for situations where you're not sure of the outcome but want to try anyway. Think about practicing a new skill, like calligraphy or even coding. You could say, 「新しいプログラミング言語を書いてみる。」 (Atarashii puroguramingu gengo o kaite miru.) - "I'll try writing in a new programming language." It’s also great for creative expression. Want to try writing song lyrics? Go for it! 「歌詞を書いてみる。」 (Kashi o kaite miru.) - "I'll try writing lyrics." It’s your go-to for any “let’s see what happens” writing scenario. It’s the linguistic equivalent of a gentle nudge forward.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid 書いてみる when you need to sound highly professional or when you're making a firm commitment. If you're submitting a formal report or signing a contract, you wouldn't say, 「このレポート、書いてみます。」 (Kono repōto, kaite mimasu.) - "I'll try writing this report." That sounds uncertain and unprofessional. Also, don't use it when you're already an expert and are expected to perform flawlessly. Saying 「この小説、書いてみます。」 (Kono shōsetsu, kaite mimasu.) - "I'll try writing this novel," when you're a famous author sounds a bit odd, maybe even humblebraggy. Stick to situations where an element of trying or uncertainty is appropriate. It's not for when you're absolutely sure or when the stakes are super high.
Common Mistakes
The biggest mistake is using 書く (kaku) alone when you mean to try. Just saying 「書く」 sounds like a command or a simple statement of fact, not an attempt. Another common error is using the wrong verb form before みる. Forgetting the te-form is like trying to put a square peg in a round hole. And sometimes, people use 読む (yomu - to read) instead of 書く. That’s like saying “I’ll try reading” when you mean “I’ll try writing.” Oops!
Similar Expressions
There are other ways to express trying something. 試す (tamesu) means to test or try out something, often an object or a method. For example, 「新しいアプリを試す」 (Atarashii apuri o tamesu) - "try a new app." It’s less about the *action* of doing something and more about *testing* it. 挑戦する (chōsen suru) means to challenge oneself, which is a more serious and determined effort. 「世界一周に挑戦する」 (Sekai isshū ni chōsen suru) - "challenge oneself to travel around the world." やってみる (yatte miru) is a more general version, meaning "to try doing something," without specifying writing. So, 書いてみる is specifically for writing attempts, while やってみる is broader.
Common Variations
The phrase 書いてみる can be conjugated into different politeness levels and tenses. The plain form is 書いてみる (kaite miru). For a more polite, standard form, you use 書いてみます (kaite mimasu). If you're talking about a past attempt, it's 書いてみました (kaite mimashita). For a future intention or suggestion, you might use 書いてみよう (kaite miyou). You can also add particles for nuance, like 書いてみようかな (kaite miyou kana) - "I wonder if I should try writing..." which adds a touch of hesitation or contemplation. It’s quite flexible!
Memory Trick
Imagine a chef trying a new recipe. He grabs a pen and paper and says, "Hmm, let me write it down and see if it tastes good!" So, write (書く) + see (みる) = 書いてみる. The て (te) is just the connector, like the chef's apron holding everything together. You're literally writing it down to see how it turns out!
Quick FAQ
Q. Is 書いてみる always about physical writing?
A. Not necessarily! It can refer to writing code, writing a song, or even writing a social media post. It's about the creative or constructive act of putting words down.
Q. Can I use it for writing an email?
A. Yes, absolutely! If you're unsure about the tone or content of an email, you could say 「このメール、書いてみます」 (Kono mēru, kaite mimasu) - "I'll try writing this email." It implies you'll draft it and see how it looks.
Q. Does it sound lazy?
A. Not at all! It sounds approachable and honest. It shows you're willing to try without putting immense pressure on yourself or others. It’s friendly!
Q. What's the difference between 書いてみる and 書く?
A. 書く is just the verb "to write." 書いてみる adds the nuance of "trying to write" or "giving writing a shot," implying an experiment or an uncertain outcome. It’s the difference between saying "I write" and "I'll try writing."
Usage Notes
The phrase `書いてみる` is versatile and generally neutral in formality. While the base form is casual, the polite `書いてみます` works in most everyday scenarios. Be mindful that its core meaning implies an attempt or experiment, so avoid it in situations demanding absolute certainty or professional finality.
Use Hiragana for 'miru'
Even though you know the kanji for 'see' is {見|み}る, always write it in hiragana when using it as 'try to.' It makes you look like a pro!
Don't use with 'can'
You can't say {書|か}いてみられる to mean 'can try writing.' Instead, use {書|か}いてみることができる.
The 'Softener'
Use {書|か}いてみる to sound less aggressive. Instead of 'I will write it,' 'I'll try writing it' sounds much more polite in Japanese social circles.
Examples
12最近、小説を書いてみることにしたんだ。
Lately, I've decided to try writing a novel.
This shows a personal decision to attempt a creative writing project.
この漢字、ゆっくり書いてみます。
I'll try writing this kanji slowly.
Focuses on the act of practicing and observing the result.
ブログのネタ、何か書いてみようかな。
Maybe I'll try writing something for the blog topic.
Expresses contemplation and a tentative plan to write.
初めてのデジタルアート！下手だけど、書いてみました。
My first digital art! It's not great, but I tried drawing/writing it.
Used humorously for digital art, implying the 'writing' of lines/forms.
わあ、素敵な詩！私もこんな風に書いてみたいです。
Wow, what a lovely poem! I want to try writing like this too.
Expresses aspiration and the desire to attempt a similar writing style.
新しい文書作成ツールを使い、レポートを書いてみました。
I tried writing a report using the new document creation tool.
Shows initiative and willingness to experiment with new tools in a professional context.
この件に関するメールを、一度書いてみます。
I will try writing an email regarding this matter once.
Indicates an initial attempt at drafting a formal communication.
✗ 明日、日記を書きみます。
✗ I will try to write my diary tomorrow.
Incorrect conjugation. `書き` is not the te-form, and `みます` is not `みる`.
✗ この本を書いてみる。
✗ I'll try to write this book.
The verb `書く` (to write) is incorrect if the intention is to read the book.
「辛さ控えめ」とメモに書いてみますね。
I'll try writing 'mild spiciness' in the notes.
Used for writing instructions or requests in a practical, everyday context.
このお題、難しそうだけど、とりあえず書いてみる！
This topic looks difficult, but I'll give it a try writing it anyway!
Shows enthusiasm and a willingness to tackle a difficult writing task.
新しいゲームのコード、ちょっと書いてみました。
I tried writing some code for the new game.
Applies to writing code, a common modern usage.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of {書|か}いてみる to say 'Please try writing.'
ここに{名前|なまえ}を____。
The ~te form of 'miru' is used for casual requests.
Which sentence means 'I tried writing a letter'?
Select the correct sentence:
~てみました is the polite past tense of 'try writing.'
Complete the dialogue.
A: {日本語|にほんご}の{日記|にっき}は{難|むずか}しいですか？ B: はい、でも{毎日|まいにち}____。
B is saying they will 'try writing' it every day.
Match the phrase to the situation: 'Testing a new pen at a store.'
Which phrase would you use?
Testing a pen is a classic 'try and see' situation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesここに{名前|なまえ}を____。
The ~te form of 'miru' is used for casual requests.
Select the correct sentence:
~てみました is the polite past tense of 'try writing.'
A: {日本語|にほんご}の{日記|にっき}は{難|むずか}しいですか？ B: はい、でも{毎日|まいにち}____。
B is saying they will 'try writing' it every day.
Which phrase would you use?
Testing a pen is a classic 'try and see' situation.
🎉 Score: /4
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo! It can also be used for typing on a computer or coding. It applies to any form of 'composing' text.
{書|か}いてみる is casual (friends), while {書|か}いてみます is polite (teachers, strangers).
No, for food you would use {食|た}べてみる (tabete miru). The ~てみる pattern works for many verbs!
It implies a possibility of not getting it perfect, but the focus is on the act of attempting, not the failure itself.
Related Phrases
{読|よ}んでみる
similarTo try reading.
{書|か}き{直|なお}す
builds onTo rewrite.
{書|か}き{留|と}める
specialized formTo jot down / To note down.
{試|ため}しに{書|か}く
synonymTo write as a test.
