Processing keyword: ～てごらん (〜te goran)

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

Grammar Point: ～てごらん (〜te goran)

Introduction

The expression ～てごらん (〜te goran) is a colloquial Japanese grammar point used to give a gentle suggestion or request, often to encourage someone to try doing something. It combines the te-form of a verb with the imperative form ごらん (goran), which conveys a sense of looking or trying out.

Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: "Try (to do)..." or "Have a look at..."
• Structure: Verb (in te-form) + ごらん
  • The te-form of the verb indicates action, while ごらん softens the command and makes it more of a suggestion.

Formation Diagram

Comparative Analysis

Similar Expressions

• ～なさい (nasai): This is a more direct command and is used in a more formal or authoritative context.
• ～てみて (te mite): This means "try doing" something but is less polite compared to ～てごらん. Nuance Comparison:
• ～てごらん is more casual and involves encouragement.
• ～なさい carries a more commanding tone.
• ～てみて suggests trying more than prompting with an invite.

Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Informal:
   • これを見てごらん。
     (Kore o mite goran.)
     "Take a look at this."
2. Casual:
   • 新しいゲームをやってごらん。
     (Atarashii gēmu o yatte goran.)
     "Try playing the new game."
3. Formal/Polite:
   • もう一度説明してごらんください。
     (Mō ichido setsumei shite goran kudasai.)
     "Please try explaining it one more time."
4. Conversational:
   • それについて考えてごらん。
     (Sore ni tsuite kangaete goran.)
     "Try thinking about that."

Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Politeness: The use of ごらん adds politeness and warmth to suggestions. It is often used in a friendly context, which is important in Japanese culture where interpersonal relationships are valued.

Idiomatic Expressions

• While specific idiomatic expressions may not exist with ～てごらん, the use of the expression itself in everyday conversation fosters a culture of encouraging trial and error, particularly in learning environments.

Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Common Mistake: Using the plain form instead of the te-form. For example, saying "見るごらん" instead of "見てごらん".
• Tip to Remember: Think of ごらん as a gentle nudge—it's less about commanding and more about inviting someone to experience something.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that "ごらん" sounds like "gorilla" and imagine encouraging a gorilla to try something new; it makes the phrase memorable and relatable.

Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Usage: ～てごらん is used to suggest or invite someone to try something, creating a warm and friendly tone.
• Politeness Level: Suitable for casual to somewhat formal contexts.
• Important Forms: Always convert verbs to the te-form before combining them with ごらん.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What is the meaning of ～てごらん?
2. What is the te-form of the verb "見る" (miru)?
3. How does ～てごらん differ from ～なさい? Answers:
4. "Try (to do)..."
5. 見て (mite)
6. ～てごらん is more casual and inviting, while ～なさい is a direct command.