Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 4
Try an action and see what happens
Build 〜 from the -form.
Start with the example
。
I will try eating this dish.
means to try eating it, perhaps because it is new.
Notice the variation
。
I will try reading it one more time.
The polite ending makes the attempt sound calm and natural.
More detail: how to apply this
Attach to the -form to say that someone tries an action.
The focus is not just doing the action;
it is testing it, experiencing it, or seeing the result.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Look for both the trial action and any result that explains what was learned from it.
is the discovery: it was close. The result answers what the person found by trying.
、。
When I tried walking to the station, it was close.
Look for both the trial action and any result that explains what was learned from it.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I will try eating this dish.
means to try eating it, perhaps because it is new.
Vocabulary notes
- 食べて
- eat and...
- みる
- to see; to watch
Compare in context
。
I will try reading it one more time.
The polite ending makes the attempt sound calm and natural.
Vocabulary notes
- もう一度
- one more time; again
- 読んで
- reading and
Compare in context
。
I will try using the new app.
This is useful when testing a tool, place, food, or method.
Vocabulary notes
- 新しい
- new
- アプリ
- app; application
- 使って
- using and
Section 2 of 4
Friendly suggestions with 〜てみて
Friendly suggestions with 〜
Start with the example
、。
If you do not understand, try asking the teacher.
The suggestion is softer than simply telling someone to ask.
Notice the variation
。
Please try writing the kanji in your notebook.
turns the suggestion into a polite classroom-style request.
More detail: how to apply this
Because 〜 sounds exploratory, it is common in advice and suggestions. 〜 can mean “try doing it,” and 〜 can invite someone gently.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
If you do not understand, try asking the teacher.
The suggestion is softer than simply telling someone to ask.
、。
If you do not understand, try asking the teacher.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: If you do not understand, try asking the teacher.
Showing Friendly suggestions with 〜てみて: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
If you do not understand, try asking the teacher.
The suggestion is softer than simply telling someone to ask.
Vocabulary notes
- 聞いて
- hearing; listening and
Preview
。
Please try writing the kanji in your notebook.
turns the suggestion into a polite classroom-style request.
Vocabulary notes
- ノート
- notebook
Preview
。
Would you like to try going into this shop?
makes the attempt into a gentle invitation.
Vocabulary notes
- みません
- do not watch; will not see
Section 3 of 4
Trying, wanting to try, and finding out
Look for both the trial action and any result that explains what was learned from it.
Trying, wanting to try, and finding out
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
says someone tried walking to the station. The person tested the route through the action of walking.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
When 〜 combines with other patterns, read the whole chunk. 〜 means “want to try,” and 〜 often leads into what someone discovered after trying.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I tried saying it in a small voice.
The speaker attempted the action once and noticed the result.
。
I tried saying it in a small voice.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I tried saying it in a small voice.
Showing Trying, wanting to try, and finding out: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
I tried saying it in a small voice.
The speaker attempted the action once and noticed the result.
Vocabulary notes
- 小さい
- small
- 言って
- saying and...
Preview
。
I want to try writing a diary in Japanese.
〜 adds desire to the idea of trying something.
Vocabulary notes
- 日本語
- Japanese language
- みたい
- like; similar to
Preview
、。
When I tried walking to the station, it was close.
The sentence reports a discovery after trying the action.
Vocabulary notes
- まで
- until; up to
- 歩いて
- walking
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Example A
Example B
when discussing clothes
Your turn · decide before revealing
How do these two examples change the meaning?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and when discussing clothes.
→ means try wearing.
alone is look;
the auxiliary adds trying an action.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
→ means try wearing. alone is look; the auxiliary adds trying an action.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Try wearing it / look at it
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.