Translation guide
Expressing an attempt or effort to do something in Japanese. The most common way is using the volitional form + とする, but other patterns exist depending on nuance.
To try to do something, to make an attempt.
The most common and neutral way to say 'try to do'. It implies making an effort or attempt. The volitional form is the おう/よう form.
彼は逃げようとした。
He tried to run away.
ドアを開けようとしたが、鍵がかかっていた。
I tried to open the door, but it was locked.
Means 'try doing something to see what happens' or 'try something out'. It implies testing or experimenting, not necessarily effort.
このケーキを食べてみてください。
Please try this cake (and see if you like it).
新しいレストランに行ってみた。
I tried going to a new restaurant.
Indicates starting to do something but not finishing, or being interrupted. Often translated as 'try to' when the attempt is incomplete.
彼に話しかけたが、無視された。
I tried to talk to him, but he ignored me.
Used in negative form (〜きれない) to mean 'cannot completely do' or 'cannot manage to do'. Implies trying but failing due to capacity.
食べきれなかった。
I couldn't eat it all (I tried but couldn't finish).
To try something out, to test or experiment.
The primary way to say 'try doing something to see the result'. It's about testing, not effort.
このボタンを押してみて。
Try pressing this button.
A softer, often encouraging way to say 'try doing'. Commonly used with children or in friendly suggestions. Derived from ご覧なさい.
ちょっと考えてごらん。
Try thinking about it a little.
To try hard, to endeavor, to strive.
A noun/verb meaning 'to make an effort'. Often used with 〜ように or 〜ために.
彼は成功するように努力した。
He tried hard to succeed.
A very common verb meaning 'to do one's best', 'to persist', 'to try hard'. Often used in encouragement.
試験に合格できるように頑張ります。
I'll try my best to pass the exam.
Combines the attempt pattern with explicit effort. More emphatic than just 〜とする.
彼女は問題を解決しようと努力した。
She tried hard to solve the problem.
To attempt something for the first time or as a new experience.
Also used for trying new experiences. The nuance of 'seeing what it's like' fits well.
日本に住んでみたい。
I want to try living in Japan.
Used to say 'have tried doing something' (experience). Not 'try to' in the moment, but past experience.
寿司を食べたことがありますか。
Have you ever tried sushi?
〜ようとする focuses on the attempt or effort, often with a sense of striving or an incomplete action. 〜てみる focuses on trying something out to see the result, with no implication of difficulty. Use 〜ようとする when there's a chance of failure or effort; use 〜てみる for casual testing or new experiences.
窓を開けようとしたが、開かなかった。
I tried to open the window, but it wouldn't open.
窓を開けてみた。涼しい風が入ってきた。
I tried opening the window. A cool breeze came in.
The loanword トライする exists but is not as common as the native patterns. It can sound unnatural in many contexts. Stick to the patterns above unless you're sure.