Meanings of 尝试
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Podcast: 尝试
Podcast: 尝试
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AI Study Notes for 尝试
尝试 (chángshì) vs 尝 (cháng) — use 尝试 when emphasizing the act of attempting something new, while 尝 is specifically about tasting.
Be careful not to confuse 尝试 with 试图 (shìtú), which means 'to attempt' but carries a more intentional connotation. Common collocations include 尝试新事物 (chángshì xīn shìwù - try new things) and 尝试做某事 (chángshì zuò mǒushì - attempt to do something). The third tone in 尝 (cháng) may get mispronounced as a second tone, so pay attention to the tonal differences.
As an HSK 6 word, 尝试 connects to advanced vocabulary regarding actions and intentions. Students should focus on using this word in various contexts, such as discussing personal experiences or professional endeavors, to enhance their speaking and writing skills.
Learners often confuse 尝试 with 试 (shì), which means 'to try' in a more limited sense, without the exploratory nuance. For example, saying '我试这道菜' (Wǒ shì zhè dào cài) implies merely trying a dish, while '我尝试这道菜' (Wǒ chángshì zhè dào cài) conveys the idea of making an effort to experience it.
Pronunciation of 尝试
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Jason Explains 尝试 to You
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Component Characters
How to say to try in Chinese
“to try” in Chinese is尝试
尝试 (chángshì) means 'to try' or 'to attempt,' often used in contexts where one is making an effort to do something new or challenging. It conveys a sense of exploration or experimentation, whether in learning, cooking, or tackling a project. This word is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal situations.
When to use 尝试
Be careful not to confuse 尝试 with 试图 (shìtú), which means 'to attempt' but carries a more intentional connotation. Common collocations include 尝试新事物 (chángshì xīn shìwù - try new things) and 尝试做某事 (chángshì zuò mǒushì - attempt to do something). The third tone in 尝 (cháng) may get mispronounced as a second tone, so pay attention to the tonal differences.
尝试 or something close to it
尝试 (chángshì) vs 尝 (cháng) — use 尝试 when emphasizing the act of attempting something new, while 尝 is specifically about tasting.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 尝试 with 试 (shì), which means 'to try' in a more limited sense, without the exploratory nuance. For example, saying '我试这道菜' (Wǒ shì zhè dào cài) implies merely trying a dish, while '我尝试这道菜' (Wǒ chángshì zhè dào cài) conveys the idea of making an effort to experience it.
Write 尝试
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Practice writing 尝试 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 尝试
尝试 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
趁你还年轻，一定要多____。
While you are still young, you must try more things.
Example Sentences for 尝试 (10)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 尝试
Yes, 尝试 is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal situations.
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