尝试
Traditional: 嘗試
cháng shì HSK 6

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

他尝试学习新技能。
Tā chángshì xuéxí xīn jìnéng.
He attempted to learn new skills.
我们尝试解决这个问题。
Wǒmen chángshì jiějué zhège wèntí.
We tried to solve this problem.
她尝试做一道新菜。
Tā chángshì zuò yī dào xīn cài.
She attempted to cook a new dish.
我尝试做饭。
Wǒ chángshì zuòfàn.
I try to cook.
他尝试跑步。
Tā chángshì pǎobù.
He tries to run.

💡 Memory Tip

Break it down: 尝 (cháng) can mean 'to taste' (as in 品尝), and 试 (shì) means 'to test'. Think of 'tasting a test'—like sampling something new to see if it works, which captures the idea of trying or attempting.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in formality and can be used in both spoken and written Chinese. It is common in contexts like trying new methods, experiences, or solutions, such as in learning, problem-solving, or personal endeavors.

📖 Grammar Points

Often used as a transitive verb followed by an object (e.g., 尝试减肥方法). Can be used with aspect markers like 过 (尝试过) or 了 (尝试了). Also appears in patterns like 尝试着 + verb (尝试着学习).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, 尝试 is encouraged in contexts like innovation or self-improvement, reflecting a pragmatic attitude toward learning through trial and error. It may carry a nuance of cautious optimism, as failure is often seen as a step toward success.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to 试 (shì), which is more casual and brief (e.g., '试试看'), 尝试 is slightly more formal and emphasizes a deliberate effort. Unlike 努力 (nǔlì, to strive), which focuses on hard work, 尝试 highlights the experimental aspect of trying.

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