Translation and Meaning of: 試み - kokoromi

The Japanese word 試み (こころみ) may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances for those learning the language. If you've ever wondered about its exact meaning, how to use it in daily life, or even its origin, this article will clarify these questions. Here, we will explore everything from the translation and cultural context to practical memorization tips, all based on reliable sources such as the Jisho.org dictionary and academic references. Whether for study or curiosity, understanding 試み is a valuable step in learning Japanese.

Meaning and Translation of 試み

試み (こころみ) is generally translated as "attempt" or "experiment," but its usage goes beyond these basic definitions. The word implies a deliberate effort to test something, whether it's an idea, method, or action. Unlike simple "trying," it suggests a more structured purpose, almost like a test with a defined objective.

In formal contexts, 試み can appear in discussions about scientific projects or social initiatives, reinforcing the idea of a planned effort. For example, in sentences like "新しい治療法の試み" (attempt at a new medical treatment), the word conveys seriousness and intentionality. This nuance is important to avoid confusion with more informal terms like やってみる (try doing something).

Origin and Use of the Kanji 試

The kanji 試, which makes up the word, is formed by the radical 言 (language) and the component 式 (style, ceremony). This combination suggests the idea of "testing through words" or "evaluating a method," which aligns perfectly with the meaning of 試み. Sources like Kanjipedia confirm that this character is associated with concepts of experimentation and evaluation since its classical use.

It is worth noting that 試み is more common in written records or formal speeches than in everyday conversation. While young people may use トライ (from English "try") in casual situations, 試み appears frequently in articles, reports, or even news headlines. This distinction helps to understand why the word is less heard in informal conversations but essential in professional contexts.

Tips for Memorizing and Using Correctly

An effective way to remember 試み is to associate it with situations involving planning, such as "a scientific experiment" or "a pilot project." Creating flashcards with real sentences, such as "この試みは成功した" (this attempt was successful), also helps internalize its usage. Platforms like Suki Nihongo provide contextual examples that facilitate this process.

Avoid confusing 試み with words like 努力 (effort) or 挑戦 (challenge). While the former refer to the effort itself or facing obstacles, 試み specifically focuses on the act of testing something. Paying attention to this difference is crucial to sounding natural in Japanese. A practical tip is to observe its usage in newspaper articles or documentaries, where the word appears clearly.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 試み (kokoromi) - Attempt, rehearsal
• 試みる (kokoromiru) - Try, try to do something
• 試す (tamesu) - Test, experiment
• 試みに (kokoromi ni) - As an attempt, in the intention of trying
• 試みてみる (kokoromite miru) - Try and see, make an attempt
• 試みてみよう (kokoromite miyō) - Let's try, suggesting an attempt.
• 試みてみましょう (kokoromite mimashō) - Let’s try (formal), suggesting a more polite attempt.
• 試みてみます (kokoromite mimasu) - I will try (formal)
• 試みること (kokoromiru koto) - The act of trying, making an attempt
• 試みることができる (kokoromiru koto ga dekiru) - To be able to try, to have the capacity to try
• 試みがある (kokoromi ga aru) - There is an attempt.
• 試みが必要 (kokoromi ga hitsuyō) - It is necessary to try, it requires an attempt.
• 試みが成功する (kokoromi ga seikō suru) - The attempt is successful.
• 試みが失敗する (kokoromi ga shippai suru) - The failed attempt
• 試みを繰り返す (kokoromi o kurikaesu) - Retry the attempt
• 試みを重ねる (kokoromi o kasaneru) - Pillar attempts, accumulate attempts
• 試みをする (kokoromi o suru) - Make an attempt
• 試みを行う (kokoromi o okonau) - Make an attempt
• 試みを積み重ねる (kokoromi o tsumikasaneru) - Accumulate attempts, build on previous attempts
• 試みを続ける (kokoromi o tsuzukeru) - Keep trying
• 試みを断念する (kokoromi o dannen suru) - Give up the attempt
• 試みを放棄する (kokoromi o hōki suru) - Give up the attempt
• 試みを止め (kokoromi o tome) - Stop the attempt

試み

Romaji: kokoromi
Kana: こころみ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: judgment; experiment

Meaning in English: trial;experiment

Definition: It means effort or action.

Example Sentences - (試み) kokoromi

See below some example sentences:

この試みは成功するかどうか分かりません。

Kono kokoromi wa seikou suru ka dou ka wakarimasen

I don't know if this attempt will be successful.

I don't know if this attempt will be successful.

• この試み - "This attempt"
• は - Topic particle
• 成功する - "Being successful"
• かどうか - "Whether or not"
• 分かりません - "I don't know"

私は新しいレシピを試みることに決めました。

Watashi wa atarashii reshipi o kokoromiru koto ni kimemashita

I decided to try a new recipe.

I decided to try a new recipe.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 新しい (atarashii) - 新しい (atarashii)
• レシピ (reshipi) - Japanese noun that means "recipe".
• を (wo) - direct object particle indicating the object of the action, in this case "recipe"
• 試みる (kokoromiru) - Japanese verb that means "to try"
• ことに (koto ni) - expression that indicates the intention or decision to do something
• 決めました (kimemashita) - Japanese verb meaning "decide" in the past tense