Processing keyword: ～てごらん (〜te goran)

Japanese 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.

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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

Verb Type	Dictionary Form	て-form	+ ごらん	Meaning
Godan verb	読む (よむ)	読んで	読んでごらん	Try reading
Ichidan verb	食べる (たべる)	食べて	食べてごらん	Try eating
Irregular verb	する	して	してごらん	Try doing
Irregular verb	来る (くる)	来て (きて)	来てごらん	Try coming

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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.

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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."

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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!

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