If you have ever wanted to try something in Japanese, like tasting a new food or testing out an activity, this is the grammar pattern you need. The expression てみる is used when you give something a try for the first time or simply to see how it goes. It works well for new experiences and small experiments, but not for situations where you are making a serious effort or working hard.
～てみる
Try doing (something)
Usage Pattern
[Verb in て-form] + みる
Details
JLPT Level: N4
How to Use It
Use ～てみる to express the idea of “trying” an action to see what happens. The verb みる means “to see,” but when attached to a て-form verb, it means “try doing.” Conjugations (tense, negation, etc.) are applied to みる, not the verb before it.
Want A Deeper Explanation?
Example 1
はじめて夏目漱石の本を読んでみました。
はじめて なつめそうせき の ほん を よんで みました。
Hajimete Natsume Sōseki no hon o yonde mimashita.
I just read a Natsume Soseki book for the first time.
Example 2
冬は甘酒を飲んでみたらどうですか。
ふゆ は あまざけ を のんで みたら どう ですか。
Fuyu wa amazake o nonde mitara dō desu ka.
Why not try drinking amazake this winter?
Example 3
新しいシャンプーを買ってみたほうがいいよ。
あたらしい しゃんぷー を かって みた ほう が いい よ。
Atarashii shanpū o katte mita hō ga ii yo.
You should try buying a new shampoo.