Meaning

Primary

To Try Something Out

Alternative

To Give Something A Try

Word Type

transitive verb, godan verb

Explanation

This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means attempt or try. The verb vocab version is to try something out or to give something a try. Why don't you try out the meaning of this verb, while you're at it?

Reading

ためす
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun'yomi reading. You didn't learn that reading with this kanji, so here's a mnemonic to help you: Okay. Here's the deal. We have this wild animal. I want you to attempt to tame (ため) it. Now, imagine trying to tame this wild animal. Yeehaw!

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 相手を試す

    to test one's opponent

    全てを試す

    to try everything

    実力を試す

    to test one's ability

Context Sentences

この薬を試してみます。

I'll try out this medicine.

どのくらい速く日本語の早口言葉を言えるか、試してみようよ。

Let's try to see how fast we can say Japanese tongue twisters.

肘を舐めれるかどうかは分からないけど、試しにやってみるよ。

I don’t know if I can lick my elbow, but I’ll give it a try.

Kanji Composition