てごらんTry doing...
This pattern encourages or directs the listener to try an action and see what happens. It is normally used toward someone familiar, younger, or junior to the speaker.
Encouragement with direction
てごらん is more than a suggestion that someone might try something. The speaker directly prompts the listener to do it, often because the speaker expects the action to help, reveal an answer, or produce an interesting result.
Warm encouragement
ちょっと食べてごらん。きっと気に入るよ。
Try a little. I'm sure you'll like it.
AnalyzeThis sounds natural when encouraging a child, close friend, or other familiar person to taste something.
A teacher guiding a learner
これ、どうやって解くの？
How do I solve this?
Analyzeまず図を描いてごらん。
First, try drawing a diagram.
AnalyzeThe teacher gives direction but leaves room for the student to discover the result.
When it becomes a dare
The same form can become confrontational. In a hostile exchange, a sharp voice or wording such as “if you can” changes an encouraging “try it” into “go on, I dare you.”
Challenge or dare
できるものなら、やってごらん。
If you think you can, go ahead and try.
AnalyzeIn this adversarial context, the expression is a dare rather than friendly encouragement.
Trying something yourself
てみる means to try an action and can describe what the speaker or another person does. てごらん is directed at the listener and carries the speaker's authority or guiding stance.
今度、この方法を試してみる。
Next time, I'll try this method.
AnalyzeThis reports the speaker's own intended attempt; it does not direct the listener.
More examples
そのボタンを押してごらん。
Try pressing that button.
Analyze声に出して読んでごらん。
Try reading it aloud.
Analyze分からなかったら、先生に聞いてごらん。
If you don't understand, try asking the teacher.
Analyze目を閉じて、音をよく聞いてごらん。
Close your eyes and listen carefully.
Analyzeもう一度ゆっくり説明してごらん。
Try explaining it again slowly.
Analyze文句があるなら、自分でやってごらん。
If you have a complaint, try doing it yourself.
AnalyzeThe confrontational context makes this sound like a challenge.