Processing keyword: ～てごらん (〜te goran)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～てごらん (〜te goran)

Understanding the Grammar Point ～てごらん (〜te goran)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point ～てごらん (〜te goran). This expression is commonly used to encourage someone to try doing something. It's a gentle way to make suggestions or give advice, often used with friends, family members, or people of equal or lower status.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ～てごらん is used to encourage or suggest someone to try doing an action.
• It conveys a soft, gentle tone, less direct than a command.

Structure

To form this expression:

1. Take the verb's て-form.
2. Add ごらん. Formation Diagram:

[Verb in て-form] + ごらん

Visual Aid

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

～てみる (〜te miru)

• Meaning: To try doing something to see what happens or how it turns out.
• Usage: Focuses on the experience or outcome of trying. Example:
• このケーキを食べてみる。
  • Kono kēki o tabete miru.
  • "I'll try eating this cake (to see how it tastes)."

～なさい (〜nasai)

• Meaning: A direct command telling someone to do something.
• Usage: Often used by parents to children or teachers to students. Example:
• 宿題をしなさい。
  • Shukudai o shinasai.
  • "Do your homework."

Nuance Differences

• ～てごらん: Gentle suggestion; less direct.
• ～てみる: Trying something to test it or see the result.
• ～なさい: Direct command; authoritative.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. To a Friend

• 新しいカフェに行ってごらん。
  • Atarashii kafe ni itte goran.
  • "Try going to the new café."

2. Parent to Child

• 自分でやってごらん。
  • Jibun de yatte goran.
  • "Try doing it yourself."

3. Suggesting a Solution

• もう一度考えてごらん。
  • Mō ichido kangaete goran.
  • "Try thinking about it once more."

4. Encouraging Practice

• ピアノを弾いてごらん。
  • Piano o hiite goran.
  • "Try playing the piano."

5. Offering Help

• 困ったら、先生に聞いてごらん。
  • Komattara, sensei ni kiite goran.
  • "If you're having trouble, try asking the teacher."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Politeness Level: Used in informal situations.
• Social Norms: Appropriate when speaking to someone of equal or lower status.
• Avoid with Superiors: Do not use with bosses or clients; it's considered too casual.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 見てごらん (Mite goran): "Try looking."
  • Example: 空を見てごらん。虹が見えるよ。
    • Sora o mite goran. Niji ga mieru yo.
    • "Try looking at the sky. You can see a rainbow."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Using with Superiors: Avoid using ～てごらん with people of higher status; it can be seen as disrespectful.
• Confusing with ～てください: Remember that ～てください is a polite request, suitable for formal situations.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: "Go run and try it!" — associates ごらん with encouraging someone to go and do something.
• Practice: Create sentences using verbs you frequently use to become comfortable with the structure.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Usage: ～てごらん is for giving gentle suggestions or encouraging someone to try something.
• Formation: Attach ごらん to the て-form of a verb.
• Politeness: Use in informal settings with friends, family, or subordinates.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form the expression using ～てごらん?
   • Answer: Use the verb's て-form and add ごらん. Example: 食べて + ごらん = 食べてごらん.
2. Can you use ～てごらん with your teacher?
   • Answer: No, it's too informal. Use ～てみてください instead.
3. Translate to Japanese: "Try listening to this song."
   • Answer: この歌を聞いてごらん。
     • Kono uta o kiite goran.

By understanding ～てごらん, you can make your suggestions sound more natural and appropriate in casual conversations. Try using it when speaking with your Japanese friends!