Te-forms of verbs + みる (Refer to DBJG Miru (aux.v.)pp.246 – 247 for more sample sentences.)

 

When te-forms of verbs is followed by みる/みます,  みる/みますmeans “to see what it is like” or “to see what will happen.” E.g. 話してみる (try to talk and see if he/she will understand…), 食べてみる (try to eat and see if it is tasty…), 着てみる(try to wear and see if it fits or looks good on me…)   This is often used as a follow-up question after asking about "experiences."  If you find someone has never done something before, you can ask "well　then, would you like to do it?"  For example: A asks "ヨーロッパに行ったことがありますか。"  B replies " いえ、アメリカに行ったことはありますが、ヨーロッパは（行ったことは）ありません". Then, A can askヨーロッパに行ってみたいですか。"  In another words, if someone is using this structure, it often implies that the person has never done it before.    You can also use it in such cases as you see in this sentence, "日本にもう一度行ってみたいです。 I want to go to Japan again (and see how I will do next time.)"
 

Te-forms of verbs + みる/みます

 

私の友達は京都に行 って、舞妓さんに会ってみたがっています。My friends wants to go to Kyoto and want to (and try to) meet Maiko (to see what they are like).

 

 私は、九州の佐賀県を訪問して、有田焼を作ってみたいです。I will visit Saga Prefecture in Kyushu and want to (try to) make Arita ware (to see if I can do it; or to see what the experience will be like;  etc.).