Meaning and Usage
The verb 試みる (こころみる) means "to try" or "to attempt," often with the nuance of testing or experimenting with something new or uncertain. It is a formal or literary word, more common in written Japanese or formal speech than in casual conversation.
Common Contexts
試みる is frequently used when discussing attempts to solve problems, try new methods, or conduct experiments. It implies a deliberate effort to see if something works or to explore possibilities.
Collocations and Patterns
- 新しい方法を試みる: to try a new method
- 問題を解決しようと試みる: to attempt to solve a problem
- 効果を試みる: to test the effect
These collocations highlight the verb’s focus on purposeful attempts or tests.
Register and Nuance
試みる is somewhat formal and often appears in written texts, academic contexts, or formal speeches. In casual conversation, people might use 試す (ためす) or やってみる instead.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 試みる with 試す. While both mean "to try," 試みる emphasizes the attempt or experiment aspect and is more formal, whereas 試す is more general and common in everyday speech. Use 試みる when you want to express a deliberate or experimental attempt.