Quote:
Originally Posted by Gizorz
So, we have learned a new grammatical structure in Japanese class a while ago, but I never really understood it and my teacher failed to properly explain it to me.
My textbook (Minna no Nihongo II) states it like this:
て-form みます
もう一度考えてみます。
I'll think it over again.
宇宙から地球を見てみたいです。
I want to see the earth from space (to know how it looks).
このズボンをはいてみてもいいですか。
May I try on this pair of trousers?
The sentences all seem very different to me. Someone explained it to me as "trying something" or "seeing how something is", but that doesn't go for the first sentance right? Wrong!
I would be really happy if someone could help me on this.  |
This is a good question, one that many learners will tell you they know all about but aren't able to use correctly in actual speaking/writing.
The form "Verb + みる" describes two different actions, not just one. This is the bottom line and this is exactly what too many "teachers" fail to explain or even understand for that matter.
あのアイスクリームを食べたい。
あのアイスクリームを食べてみたい。
To us native speakers, these two sentences mean VERY different things from each other. (And they should to you, too, after today.)
あのアイスクリームを食べたい。
I want to eat that icecream. (It's my favorite flavor in this shop. I love the funky taste and the crazy colors. Can you believe none of my friends like it?)
あのアイスクリームを食べてみたい。
I want to eat that icecream and find out what it tastes like. (I noticed they had this new flavor a few weeks ago but just never had a chance to try it.)
Do you see what I meant by one action vs. two actions?
_________
You stated that someone's explanation didn't apply to the first of your example sentences. It actually does.
もう一度考えてみます。
Depending on the context, it can mean:
1. I will think about it again and see what happens. or
2. I will think about it again and as a result, I might change my mind.
In either case, the sentence is describing two separate actions.