Processing keyword: Verb てみる (〜te miru)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb てみる (〜te miru)

1. Introduction

The grammar point 〜てみる is a commonly used expression in Japanese that conveys the idea of "trying to do something" or "doing something to see what it's like." It allows speakers to express a desire to attempt an action and observe the outcome.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

〜てみる is used when you want to try doing an action to see the result or experience. It implies that the action is performed experimentally or out of curiosity.

Structure

To form this expression, attach みる to the て-form of a verb.

[Verb in て-form] + みる

Formation Diagram

Verb Dictionary Form	Verb て-form	+ みる	Meaning
食べる (たべる)	食べて	食べてみる	Try eating
行く (いく)	行って	行ってみる	Try going
読む (よむ)	読んで	読んでみる	Try reading
話す (はなす)	話して	話してみる	Try speaking
着る (きる)	着て	着てみる	Try wearing

3. Comparative Analysis

• 〜てみる vs. 〜てみせる
  • 〜てみる: To try doing something to see what happens.
    • Example: 新しいレシピを作ってみる。(I'll try making a new recipe.)
  • 〜てみせる: To show someone by doing; to do something and show the result.
    • Example: 絶対に勝ってみせる。(I will definitely win and show you.)
• 見る (みる) as Main Verb vs. Auxiliary Verb
  • As a main verb, 見る means "to see" or "to watch."
    • Example: 映画を見る。(I watch a movie.)
  • As an auxiliary verb attached to the て-form, it means "to try to do something."
    • Example: 映画を観てみる。(I'll try watching the movie.)

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 新しいアイスクリームの味を食べてみる。
   • I'll try eating the new ice cream flavor.
2. 一度富士山に登ってみたいです。
   • I want to try climbing Mount Fuji once.
3. その靴を履いてみてもいいですか。
   • May I try on those shoes?
4. 友達に聞いてみたけど、知らなかった。
   • I tried asking a friend, but they didn't know.
5. 日本語で話してみましょう。
   • Let's try speaking in Japanese.

Formal and Informal Usage

• Formal Speech
  • 来週のイベントに参加してみます。
    • I will try attending next week's event.
• Informal Speech
  • このゲームをやってみる！
    • I'll try playing this game!

Negative Form

To express not trying something, you can use the negative form of みる, which is みない.

• 映画を見てみないの？
  • Won't you try watching the movie?

Past Tense

To express that you tried something, use the past tense みた.

• 昨日、新しいレストランで食べてみた。
  • Yesterday, I tried eating at a new restaurant.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, expressing the willingness to try something new can reflect openness and humility. Using 〜てみる softens requests and suggestions, making them more polite and less direct.

• Example: お茶を飲んでみませんか。
  • Would you like to try drinking some tea?

Idiomatic Expressions

• 一度やってみる価値がある。
  • It's worth trying once.
• 試してみる
  • To give it a try.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Incorrect Formation
  • Wrong: 日本語を話みる。
  • Correct: 日本語を話してみる。
    • Attach みる to the て-form of the verb.
• Using Kanji for みる
  • Common Mistake: 見る
    • When みる is used as an auxiliary verb meaning "to try," it is usually written in hiragana (みる), not kanji.
  • Correct: 試してみる。

Learning Strategies

• Practice Conjugation

  • Regularly practice conjugating verbs into their て-form to become comfortable with attaching みる.

• Role-Playing

  • Create dialogues where you express trying new activities.
    • A: この本を読んだことがありますか。
    • B: いいえ、でも読んでみます。

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 〜てみる is used to express the action of trying something to see what it's like.
• Formed by attaching みる to the て-form of verbs.
• Commonly used to express curiosity or willingness to experience new things.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "I tried making sushi" in Japanese?
   • Answer: 寿司を作ってみた。
2. Convert the following sentence using 〜てみる: "I'll try to write a letter."
   • Answer: 手紙を書いてみる。
3. What is the negative form of 〜てみる for the verb 行く (to go)?
   • Answer: 行ってみない。

---

By understanding and using 〜てみる, you can express your intentions to try new actions and experiences in Japanese, making your conversations more dynamic and engaging.

---

© Hanabira.org