～てみるTo try to

In order to express that you will (or someone else should) try something, the conjunction particle て will be paired with 見(み)る (almost always without kanji). While this is translated as 'to try to (A)', the actual meaning is closer to 'to do (A), and see (whether the result is good or not)'.

This grammar construction is usually only used when someone tries something for the first time.

As mentioned above, this phrase is also used when suggesting that someone else should try something. In these situations, (A) + てみて, or more formally, (A) + てみてください will be used.

Sometimes, in very casual situations, even the て will be dropped, and (A) + てみ will be used by itself. This usually has the nuance of 'come on, just give it a go!'

Caution

When てみた appears in the past tense, it will imply that the attempt was successful, unless specifically stated otherwise by the speaker.

Fun Fact

While the kanji for 見(み)る may be used in this grammar point, it will result in the 'see' meaning being heavily stressed (rather than 'try'). This may cause a misunderstanding on the part of the person listening/reading.