〜てみる

〜てみる is a て-form extension that expresses try doing ~. The て-form is one of the most productive patterns in Japanese — by combining it with various helper verbs and expressions, you can express a wide range of meanings from ongoing actions to requests to sequential events.

This is an intermediate pattern used regularly in everyday Japanese conversation and writing.

When to Use#

• Trying something new: 食べてみる (try eating it)
• Testing something out: やってみよう (let's give it a try)

When NOT to Use#

• In very formal writing where a more sophisticated expression would be expected

Example Sentences#

• 一度電話してみます。 — Let me try calling once.
• SNSに投稿してみます。 — Let me try posting on social media.
• コメントを残してみます。 — I'll try leaving a comment.

Practice#

Try reading these sentences aloud, then check the translation and vocabulary:

Common Mistakes#

1. Incorrect て-form conjugation — Make sure you correctly form the て-form of the preceding verb before attaching this pattern. Group 1 verbs have sound changes (く→いて, ぐ→いで, す→して, etc.).

Related Patterns#

• 〜ている (ongoing action / state) — Next step