GRAMMAR DETAIL
てみる
Follows the connective form of a verb to indicate trying an action in order to learn its result or how it feels.
Examples
初めて自分でパンを焼いてみた。
I tried baking bread by myself for the first time.
Words used
分からない言葉は辞書で調べてみよう。
Let us try looking up unfamiliar words in a dictionary.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: A verb's
てform is followed byみる. - Basic usage:
初めて自分でパンを焼いてみた。means trying one's hand at baking bread.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Trying and succeeding
作ってみたstates that someone tried making something; whether the result was satisfactory needs separate information.作ろうとしたfocuses on attempting to make it, distinct from actually doing so.
- Seeing and inflection
食べてみるmeans experiencing something by eating it, not adding an act of visual observation.食べてみたいexpresses a wish to try that experience.