「〜てごらん」- Try Doing Something

Explanation

「〜てごらん」 is a common expression used in everyday conversations to ask someone to try doing something. This expression is softer than a direct command and is suitable for use with peers or juniors, but not with superiors or elders. It originates from the respectful form of the verb 見るみる (to see), but here it means "try doing something."

Grammar Pattern

Grammar Point	Connection	Explanation
Verb て-form + ごらん	Verb て-form + ごらん	Used to politely ask someone to try doing something, with a soft tone.

Basic Usage

「〜てごらん」 is attached to the て-form of a verb to politely ask someone to try doing something. This expression is gentler than 「〜てみなさい」 but still carries a slight command tone. Therefore, it’s important to consider the context and the person you’re speaking to when using it.

Examples

• これこれ、食べてごらんたべてごらん。
• Kore, tabete goran.
• Try this. It’s delicious.
  

• もう一度もういちど やってごらんやってごらん。
• Mou ichido yatte goran.
• Try it one more time.
  

• このコーヒーこのこーひーはおいしいおいしいよ。飲んでごらんのんでごらん。
• Kono koohii wa oishii yo. Nonde goran.
• This coffee is delicious. Try it.
  

Deep Dive

「〜てごらん」 is often used to encourage someone to try something, reflecting the speaker’s caring and gentle attitude. In everyday conversations, this expression can make the interaction feel more friendly. While it’s softer than 「〜てみなさい」, it’s still important to be mindful of the context. For example, it should be avoided in formal situations or when speaking to elders.

Comparison and Differences

Difference between 「〜てごらん」 and 「〜てみなさい」

Both 「〜てごらん」 and 「〜てみなさい」 are used to ask someone to try doing something, but there’s a subtle difference in tone. 「〜てごらん」 is gentler and suitable for requests to juniors or peers, while 「〜てみなさい」 carries a slightly stronger command tone.

Expression	Usage	Example	English Translation
〜てごらん	Gentle request	何なにが欲しいほしいの？言ってごらんいってごらん。	What do you want? Tell me.
〜てみなさい	Stronger command	何なにが欲しいほしいの？言ってみなさいいってみなさい。	What do you want? Say it.

Real-Life Scenarios

In everyday conversations, 「〜てごらん」 can be used in various situations, such as encouraging someone to try something new or asking them to try again after a mistake.

Examples

• はいはい、プレゼントぷれぜんと！開けてごらんあけてごらん。
• Hai, purezento! Akete goran.
• Here, a gift! Open it and see.
  

• ちょっとだけちょっとだけで良いからよいから 見てごらんみてごらん。
• Chotto dake de ii kara mite goran.
• Just for a moment, take a look.
  

• 胸むねに手てを当てあて、よく考えてごらんなさいよくかんがえてごらんなさい。
• Mune ni te o ate, yoku kangaete gorannasai.
• Put your hand on your chest and think carefully.
  

Summary

「〜てごらん」 is an expression used to ask someone to try doing something, with a gentle tone suitable for conversations with peers or juniors. It’s important to consider the context and the person you’re speaking to when using it. This expression reflects the politeness and care embedded in Japanese culture.