Joy testing a machine [Tamesu] vs. Joy trying a cake [Te-miru])
“I want to try this cake!” “I want to test this microphone.”
In Japanese, both are translated as “try,” but we use different words: 〜てみる (Te-miru) and ためす (Tamesu). Let’s learn the difference with Joy and Ken!
🗣 Conversation Scene
Joy is looking at a delicious-looking cake at a cafe.
Joy
わあ、おいしそう！このケーキを ためしたい です！
(Wow, looks delicious! I want to “test” this cake!)
(Wow, looks delicious! I want to “test” this cake!)
Ken
「ためす」？ Joyさん、それは実験（Experiment）ですよ。
こういうときは、食べてみたい と言いましょう。
(“Tamesu”? Joy, that sounds like an experiment. In this case, say “Tabete-mitai”.)
こういうときは、食べてみたい と言いましょう。
(“Tamesu”? Joy, that sounds like an experiment. In this case, say “Tabete-mitai”.)
💡 Explanation
Both words mean “to try,” but the goal is different.
Point 1: 〜てみる (Te-miru) for Experience
Use Verb (Te-form) + miru. This implies “doing something a little bit to see what happens.” It focuses on your experience or curiosity.
- 靴（くつ）を はいてみます。
(I will try on the shoes. [To see if they fit]) - 納豆（なっとう）を 食べてみました。
(I tried eating Natto. [To see if I like it])
Point 2: ためす (Tamesu) for Testing
This implies “testing performance” or “checking ability.” It sounds more objective and serious.
- マイクを ためします。
(I will test the microphone. [To see if it works]) - 自分の力（ちから）を ためしたいです。
(I want to test my strength/ability.)
📊 Comparison / Common Mistake
🚧 Joy’s Mistake
❌ Wrong: 新しいゲームを ためします。
(Grammatically okay, but sounds like you are a game tester looking for bugs.)
✅ Right: 新しいゲームを やってみます。
(I will try playing the new game [for fun].)
🔥 Practice Quiz
Tap to check the answer!
Keep practicing with JPLT!
