N322/219

てごらん

V-て + ごらん

Meanings

  • Please try to do something
  • Please take a look
  • Why not try

About this pattern

Explanation

てごらん is a casual, slightly playful imperative used to encourage someone to try or check something. It sounds softer than a direct order and is common among friends, family, or people of the same age. It can be used with verbs to invite someone to attempt an action (e.g., make an effort to do something) or to suggest that they look at or examine something. Because it is informal, you should avoid using it with strangers or in formal settings. The nuance is similar to saying “give it a try” or “have a look” in English, with a friendlier, supportive tone.

Learn in context

Example sentences

ちょっと味噌を混ぜてごらん。

Try mixing the miso a little.

この本を読んでごらん。

Please read this book.

これを見てごらん。

Take a look at this.

手伝ってみてごらん。

Try helping out.

新しい道を自分で確かめてごらん。

See for yourself and check the new path.