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

このサプリ、試して。

Try this supplement.

色々なダイエットを試したけど、どれもダメだったよ。

I tried various diets, but none of them worked.

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