N4 Integrated Dialogue Lesson 3
Mastering the usage of ～てみる (trying something out) to describe experimental actions in daily life.
Trying New Things
In daily life, we often try new experiences, like tasting a new dish or visiting a new shop. In Japanese, when you want to express that you are 'doing something to see what it's like,' you use a specific grammar structure.
The ～てみる Structure
To express 'trying to do' something, take the te-form of a verb and add みる (miru).
Tip
Examples in Context
See how this pattern works in natural sentences.
このケーキを食べてみます。
I will try eating this cake.
新しい服を着てみました。
I tried on the new clothes.
How do you say 'I tried calling him'?
- ✓ 彼に電話してみた
- 彼に電話するみる
- 彼に電話したみる
You must use the te-form (電話して) followed by みる (past tense: みた).
Nuance and Usage
Understanding when to use this pattern versus simply stating the action.
Action vs. Trial
食べます
I eat (general fact/habit)
ケーキを食べます
食べてみます
I try eating (experimental)
ケーキを食べてみます
Which sentence implies you are testing the quality of the item?
- この本を読みます
- ✓ この本を読んでみます
読んでみます adds the nuance of checking the book to see if you like it or if it is good.
Advanced Notes
A few extra details about the usage of みる.
Lesson Summary
The ～てみる pattern is an essential tool for describing actions taken to experience or test something. By combining the te-form of a verb with みる, you can naturally express curiosity and experimentation.