Translation guide
How to express 'attempt' in Japanese, covering trying something, making an effort, and formal or written attempts.
Expressing that someone tries to do something, often with a sense of effort or uncertainty about the outcome.
Attach to the te-form of a verb to mean 'try doing something' to see what happens or how it goes. Very common and natural.
I tried going to a new restaurant.
Please try solving this problem.
Attach to the volitional form of a verb to mean 'attempt to do' or 'try to do', often emphasizing the effort or the moment of attempting. Can imply the attempt may fail.
He attempted to escape but was caught.
A verb meaning 'to attempt' or 'to try', often used for new or experimental attempts. Slightly formal.
Means 'to challenge' or 'to attempt' something difficult, like a test or a record. Implies taking on a challenge.
Attempt the world record.
Referring to the act of trying or the effort itself as a noun.
A noun meaning 'attempt' or 'trial'. Often used for planned or experimental attempts.
Used in legal or formal contexts to describe an attempted crime.
A suffix meaning 'attempted' (crime). Attach to nouns like 殺人 (murder) to form 殺人未遂 (attempted murder).
Expressing the idea of making an effort or giving something a try, often in a determined way.
〜てみる is for trying something out to see the result, often with curiosity. 〜ようとする focuses on the effort or the moment of attempting, and often implies the outcome is uncertain or the attempt was unsuccessful.
I tried eating sushi (to see what it's like).
He attempted to climb Mt. Fuji.
ドアを開けようとしたけど、鍵がかかっていた。
I tried to open the door, but it was locked.
Attempt a new treatment method.
The attempt was successful.
As a new attempt, we will start this program.
A noun meaning 'challenge' or 'attempt', especially when taking on something difficult.
His attempt ended in failure.
Means 'effort' or 'endeavor'. Often used when emphasizing the hard work put into an attempt.
His efforts bore fruit.
He was arrested for attempted murder.
A very common phrase meaning 'give it a try' or 'try doing it'. Casual and natural.
I don't know if I can do it, but I'll give it a try.
Means 'to make an effort' or 'to strive'. More formal than やってみる.
Make an effort to succeed.
I attempted to eat sushi, but it was sold out.
試みる is a formal, written word. In everyday conversation, use 〜てみる or 〜ようとする instead.
I'll try calling him.
The attempt failed.