Mastering 〜てみる: Unlocking Your Japanese “Trial and Error” Expression for the JLPT

〜てみる

Are you diligently studying for the JLPT, sifting through grammar points, and sometimes feeling like you’re trying to solve a puzzle with a missing piece? You’re not alone! Japanese grammar can feel like a labyrinth at times, with subtle nuances that can drastically change the meaning of a sentence. But don’t despair; every new structure you master brings you closer to fluency and acing that exam.

Today, we’re going to demystify a truly versatile and common grammar point: 〜てみる (te miru). At first glance, it might seem simple, translating broadly to “to try.” However, its specific flavor of “trying” is what makes it unique and incredibly useful in everyday conversation. If you’ve ever wanted to express trying something out, giving something a shot, or even just experiencing something new, then 〜てみる is your new best friend. Let’s dive in and unlock its full potential, ensuring you use it confidently and correctly for your JLPT and beyond!

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Understanding the Core of 〜てみる: “To Try and See”

The grammar point 〜てみる is formed by taking the て-form of a verb and attaching みる (miru). While みる typically means “to see” or “to look,” when combined in this structure, it takes on a different, more nuanced meaning.

The Fundamental Concept

At its heart, 〜てみる expresses the idea of performing an action to see what happens, to experience it, or to evaluate the result. It’s not just about making an effort; it’s about doing something with an element of experimentation, curiosity, or tentative exploration. Think of it as a “trial run” where you perform the action to gain information, observe an outcome, or simply have an experience.

Let’s break down the key implications of this “trying”:

• Experimentation: You do something to discover if it’s possible, effective, enjoyable, or suitable. There’s an inherent uncertainty about the outcome, and you’re curious to find out.
• Tentative Action: You perform the action without full commitment, or with a sense of “just giving it a shot” to see how it goes.
• Gaining Experience: You engage in an activity primarily to learn from it, to gain firsthand knowledge, or to simply have the experience for its own sake.
• Curiosity: You try something because you’re interested in what it’s like, how it feels, or what the results will be.

Consider the English phrase “I’ll try eating this new dish.” This phrase perfectly captures the essence of 〜てみる. You’re not just trying to *succeed* at eating it; you’re eating it to *see if it’s delicious*, to discover its taste, or to experience a new flavor. This element of discovery and observation is precisely where 〜てみる shines and sets it apart from other ways to express “try.”

Forming 〜てみる

The conjugation for 〜てみる is straightforward once you are proficient with forming the て-form of various verb groups. If you’re still mastering て-form conjugation, it’s a good idea to review it, as it’s a cornerstone for many advanced Japanese grammar structures.

• Godan verbs (Group 1): Take the て-form (e.g., 飲む (nomu) → 飲んで (nonde)) and add みる → 飲んでみる (nonde miru – to try drinking).
• Ichidan verbs (Group 2): Take the て-form (e.g., 食べる (taberu) → 食べて (tabete)) and add みる → 食べてみる (tabete miru – to try eating).
• Irregular verbs:
  • する (suru) → して (shite) + みる → してみる (shite miru – to try doing).
  • 来る (kuru) → 来て (kite) + みる → 来てみる (kite miru – to try coming/visiting).

Always remember that the て-form is your gateway to this and many other crucial Japanese grammar points. If you’re still shaky on て-form conjugation, it’s worth reviewing it before diving too deep into 〜てみる, as it’s a foundational skill!

〜てみる in Everyday Life: Practical Examples

Let’s look at some real-world scenarios where 〜てみる is the perfect expression, complete with Japanese and English translations to solidify your understanding. Pay close attention to the “try and see” nuance in each case.

Example 1: Trying New Things (Food, Clothes, Hobbies, etc.)

This is perhaps the most common and intuitive use of 〜てみる. When you encounter something new and want to give it a go, whether it’s a dish, an outfit, or a new activity, this structure is ideal. It perfectly captures that sense of curiosity and mild experimentation.

Imagine you’re at a Japanese restaurant, and there’s a dish you’ve never had before. You’re feeling adventurous:

日本語: 「この新しいラーメン、どんな味か分からないけど、食べてみます。」

英語: “I don’t know what this new ramen tastes like, but I’ll try eating it (to see what it’s like).”

Explanation: Here, you’re not just “eating” the ramen (食べる). You’re eating it with an element of discovery – you want to find out its taste. You’re performing an action to gain information about it. This expresses curiosity and a tentative approach to something unknown. You could be saying this to a friend, or even to yourself, contemplating whether to order it.

Another common situation is shopping for clothes. You like a jacket, but aren’t sure if it’s the right fit or style for you:

日本語: 「このジャケット、サイズが合うか分からないけど、着てみてもいいですか？」

英語: “I don’t know if this jacket will fit, but may I try wearing it (to see if it fits/looks good)?”

Explanation: You’re not just asking “Can I wear it?” (着てもいいですか？), which could imply permission to simply put it on and walk out. By adding 〜てみる, you’re implying that you want to put it on to check the fit, see how it looks on you, and make a decision based on that trial. It’s a polite and natural way to ask to try something on in a shop.

Example 2: Taking a Shot at a Challenge or a Task

〜てみる is also perfect when you’re faced with a task or a challenge, and you decide to attempt it. This doesn’t necessarily guarantee success, but it commits you to the effort to see if you can do it, how far you can get, or how it turns out. It’s about a proactive engagement with an uncertain outcome.

Let’s say you’re trying to find a specific obscure shop in a busy, unfamiliar district, and a friend offers to guide you, but you want to try on your own first:

日本語: 「地図だけでは難しいかもしれないけど、一人でこの店まで行ってみます。」

英語: “It might be difficult with just the map, but I’ll try going to this shop by myself (to see if I can find it).”

Explanation: You’re acknowledging the potential difficulty but expressing your intention to make the attempt. You’ll “go and see” if you can manage it. This implies a proactive approach to a task, even if the outcome is uncertain. You’re giving it a shot, perhaps out of independence or a desire to challenge yourself.

Or perhaps you have a new idea for a creative project, like developing an app, and you want to see if your concept is feasible:

日本語: 「新しいアプリのアイデアがあります。週末に作ってみます。」

英語: “I have an idea for a new app. I’ll try making it this weekend (to see how it turns out/if it works).”

Explanation: Here, “making it” (作る) becomes “trying to make it” (作ってみる) because you’re embarking on a project with an element of experimentation. You want to see if your idea can come to fruition, if the app will work, or how far you can get. It conveys a hands-on, exploratory approach, not just a simple intention to make something.

Example 3: Suggesting or Recommending an Experience (〜てみてください)

When you want to recommend something to someone, encouraging them to try it out for themselves, the imperative form 〜てみてください (te mite kudasai) is incredibly useful and natural. It’s a softer, more inviting way of telling someone to do something, as it frames the action as an experience they might enjoy or benefit from.

You’re telling a friend about a great book you just read and want them to share your enjoyment:

日本語: 「この本、すごく面白いですよ。一度読んでみてください。」

英語: “This book is really interesting. Please try reading it once (to experience it for yourself).”

Explanation: You’re not just saying “Read it.” You’re inviting them to “try reading it” to see if they find it as enjoyable as you did. It’s a gentle suggestion, encouraging them to experience something you recommend, implying that they will discover something good by doing so. It emphasizes the personal discovery aspect.

Similarly, if you’re introducing someone to a new local spot, like a fantastic cafe, you’d use this form:

日本語: 「あのカフェのコーヒーは本当に美味しいから、今度行ってみてください。」

英語: “The coffee at that cafe is really delicious, so please try going there next time (to experience it for yourself).”

Explanation: Again, you’re not just commanding them to “go” (行ってください). You’re encouraging them to visit the cafe to experience its delicious coffee. It’s a friendly invitation to “try out” the place you’re recommending, implying a pleasant discovery awaits them.

Common Pitfalls and Nuances: Avoiding Mistakes with 〜てみる

While 〜てみる is a powerful tool, there are a few common mistakes and important nuances to be aware of. Avoiding these will elevate your Japanese from good to great, especially for the JLPT!

Mistake 1: Confusing 〜てみる with 頑張る (ganbaru)

This is perhaps the most frequent error for English speakers, as both can often be translated to “to try.” However, their underlying meanings are fundamentally different, and using one when you mean the other can sound very unnatural.

• 頑張る (ganbaru): This means “to do one’s best,” “to make an effort,” “to persevere,” “to hang in there.” It focuses on the *exertion of effort and determination* towards a goal, often implying overcoming difficulty, regardless of whether the goal is achieved.
• 〜てみる (te miru): This means “to try *and see*,” “to try for experience/discovery.” It focuses on *performing an action to observe its result or gain experience*, with an element of experimentation or tentativeness.

Let’s look at the difference with an example:

• Correct use of 頑張る:
  JLPTに向けて、毎日漢字を勉強しています。合格できるように頑張ります！
  (I’m studying kanji every day for the JLPT. I’ll do my best to pass!)
  Here, 頑張る is correct because you’re talking about putting in consistent effort and dedication towards passing the exam. You’re expressing your commitment to study hard.
• Correct use of 〜てみる:
  この新しい参考書、難しそうだけど、一度読んでみます。
  (This new reference book looks difficult, but I’ll try reading it once [to see if I can understand it/if it’s useful]. )
  Here, 読んでみる is correct because you’re trying out the book to see the result (e.g., whether you can comprehend it, if it’s helpful for your studies). You’re not just “doing your best” to read; you’re reading to discover something about the book.

You would generally *not* say 「JLPTに合格してみます。」 (I’ll try passing the JLPT to see [what happens]). This sounds like you’re experimenting with passing an exam, which is a bit strange. Instead, you’d correctly say 「JLPTに合格できるように頑張ります。」 (I’ll do my best to pass the JLPT). The focus is on the effort, not an experiment.

Mistake 2: Incorrect て-form Conjugation

As mentioned earlier, the foundation of 〜てみる is the correct て-form of the verb. A common mistake is using the plain form or ます-form directly, or misapplying the sound changes. Forgetting the small っ (tsu) sound for some verbs (e.g., 買う (kau) → 買って (katte) + みる, not 買いてみる) or the changing sounds for others (e.g., 読む (yomu) → 読んで (yonde) + みる, not 読みてみる) can lead to awkward or incorrect Japanese.

Always double-check your て-form conjugations. Consistent practice with verb conjugations is crucial for fluent and accurate Japanese, and it will serve you well not just for 〜てみる, but for countless other grammar points required for the JLPT!

Mistake 3: Overusing 〜てみる or Using it When the “Trial” Nuance Isn’t Present

While versatile, not every instance of “to try” in English translates perfectly to 〜てみる. If you simply mean “to attempt” in a very direct sense to achieve an immediate, concrete result without the element of “seeing what happens” or “experiencing,” sometimes a simpler verb or a different grammatical structure is more appropriate.

For example, if you say “I tried to open the door, but it was locked,” the “trying” is a direct action to achieve an immediate, intended result (opening the door), not an experiment or a discovery. While you *could* technically say ドアを開けてみました (doa wo akete mimashita), often just ドアを開けようとしました (doa wo akeyou to shimashita – I made an effort to open the door) or ドアを開けましたが、鍵がかかっていました (doa wo akemashita ga, kagi ga kakatte imashita – I opened the door, but it was locked) would be more natural. In this context, the nuance of intention (〜ようとする – to try to do, to be about to do) might be more appropriate.

Reserve 〜てみる for when you truly want to convey that specific sense of “giving it a shot,” “experimenting,” “experiencing,” or “doing something to find out.” If the “discovery” or “experience” aspect isn’t there, you might be better off with a plain verb or other grammar patterns.

Important Nuances and Advanced Usage

As you progress, you’ll encounter 〜てみる in slightly varied forms, each carrying its own subtle shade of meaning:

• 〜てみよう (te miyou) / 〜てみませんか (te mimasen ka): These are volitional or invitational forms that express “Let’s try doing X” or “Won’t you try doing X?” respectively. They are excellent for suggesting activities to others in a friendly, exploratory way.
  • 「この新しいカフェ、今度行ってみようよ。」
    (Let’s try going to this new cafe sometime [to see what it’s like].)
  • 「疲れているみたいですね。少し休んでみませんか？」
    (You seem tired. Why don’t you try resting a bit [to see if you feel better]?)
• Past Tense (〜てみた – te mita): When used in the past tense, 〜てみた expresses that you tried something, and you either found out something or gained an experience as a result. This form often implies a discovery or an outcome that followed the trial.
  
  
  
  • 「初めて日本の温泉に入ってみたら、とても気持ちよかったです。」
    (When I tried entering a Japanese hot spring for the first time, it felt really good.)
  
  
  • 「自分でウェブサイトを作ってみたら、意外と簡単でした。」
    (When I tried making a website myself, it was surprisingly easy.)
  
  
  
  

  Notice the common usage with 「〜たら」 (tara), which means “when/if,” implying a result or discovery that occurred after the trial or experiment.

  
  
• Not typically used with Potential Form: It’s generally unnatural to combine 〜てみる directly with the potential form of a verb (e.g., *食べられるてみる – taberareru te miru). Instead, you would use the potential form independently (e.g., 食べられる – can eat), or use 〜てみる with the action itself (e.g., 食べる). If you want to express “try to be able to do something,” you’d typically say something like 「できるかどうかやってみる」 (dekiru ka dou ka yatte miru, “I’ll try doing it to see if it’s possible”). The “try” in 〜てみる refers to the action of doing something, not the state of being able to do it.

Wrapping Up: Embrace the “Trial and Error” Mindset

Congratulations! You’ve just taken a deep dive into 〜てみる, a grammar point that truly empowers you to express experimentation, curiosity, and tentative action in Japanese. It’s more than just “to try”; it’s “to try and see,” “to try for experience,” or “to give something a shot,” always with that underlying nuance of discovery or evaluation.

Remember these key takeaways as you continue your JLPT preparation:

• Form: Always connect the て-form of a verb with みる.
• Core Meaning: It implies performing an action to find out the result, gain experience, or simply give it a try. There’s an element of curiosity or discovery.
• Distinguish from 頑張る: 〜てみる is about discovery and experience; 頑張る is about effort and perseverance. Don’t mix them up!
• Practice is Key: The best way to master 〜てみる is to actively look for opportunities to use it in your daily Japanese. Try describing new foods you eat, new places you visit, or new tasks you undertake using this versatile grammar pattern.

As you continue your JLPT journey, embrace the spirit of 〜てみる not just in your grammar, but in your learning process itself. Don’t be afraid to try new study methods (新しい勉強法を試してみる), try speaking even if you make mistakes (間違っても話してみる), or try to understand difficult sentences (難しい文を理解してみる). Every attempt, every trial, brings you closer to your goal of fluency and JLPT success.

Keep practicing, stay curious, and you’ll undoubtedly master this and many other challenging aspects of Japanese. Good luck with your JLPT N4!