Vietnamese Grammar Bank
TRYING IN VIETNAMESE
In Vietnamese, expressing the concept of “try” can be done using various structures depending on the context, such as attempting something or trying for a specific purpose.
Let’s explore how to use “try” in different ways in Vietnamese!
THỬ + VERB
“Thử” is used when talking about trying something new or testing something.
It suggests an attempt, often for the first time, to do something or experience something.
PATTERN
Thử + Verb
For example:
| Tôi sẽ thử làm chiếc bánh này | I will try to make this cake |
| Cô ấy muốn thử nói tiếng Anh | She wants to try speaking English |
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| Anh ấy thử chơi đàn piano | He tried playing the piano |
| Chúng ta nên thử đi du lịch đến một quốc gia mới | We should try traveling to a new country |
| Họ đang thử học tiếng Pháp | They are trying to learn French |
| Tôi sẽ thử vẽ hôm nay | I’m going to try painting today |
VERB + THỬ
This structure is used to express the idea of trying out an action or trying something with the intention of experiencing or testing it.
It implies that the action is being attempted but not necessarily with high effort, and it is often for discovery or enjoyment.
PATTERN
Verb + Thử
For example:
| Tôi sẽ làm thử chiếc bánh này | I will try to make this cake |
| Cô ấy muốn nói thử tiếng Anh | She wants to try speaking English |
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| Anh ấy chơi thử đàn piano | He tried playing the piano |
| Chúng ta nên đi du lịch thử đến một quốc gia mới | We should try traveling to a new country |
| Họ đang học thử tiếng Pháp | They are studying French trial-class |
| Tôi sẽ vẽ thử hôm nay | I’m going to try painting today |
CỐ GẮNG + VERB
This is the most common way to express “try” in the sense of making an effort or attempting to do something.
It implies putting in effort toward achieving a goal.
PATTERN
Cố gắng + Verb
For example:
| Tôi sẽ cố gắng học chăm chỉ hơn. | I will try to study harder |
| Cô ấy đang cố gắng hoàn thành dự án đúng hạn. | She is trying to finish the project on time. |
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| Anh ấy đang cố gắng học cách chơi guitar | He is trying to learn how to play the guitar. |
| Chúng tôi đang cố gắng cải thiện kỹ năng của mình | We are trying to improve our skills |
| Họ đang cố gắng thức dậy sớm mỗi ngày | They are trying to wake up early every day |
| Tôi sẽ cố gắng đạt được mục tiêu này trong năm nay. | I will try to reach the goal this year |
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FAQs
What’s the difference between “thử” and “cố gắng”?
“Thử” means to try something out or test it, usually once or experimentally.
“Cố gắng” means to make an effort or try hard to achieve something over time.
Can I use “thử” and “cố gắng” in the same sentence?
Yes, you can.
For example: Tôi sẽ cố gắng thử làm món này (“I’ll try my best to give this dish a try”).
Where does “thử” go in a sentence?
“Thử” typically comes right before the verb it modifies.
For example: Thử ăn món này đi! (“Try eating this dish!”).
Is “cố gắng” followed by any specific grammar structure?
Yes, “cố gắng” is often followed by a verb or verb phrase, such as cố gắng học tiếng Việt (“try to study Vietnamese”).
Can “thử” be used in the past tense?
Yes, you can use it with time indicators or context.
For example: Tôi đã thử rồi (“I already tried it”).
Can I study in Vietnam with LTL?
Yes, you can!
You can study with us in Saigon or Hanoi, in both group or individual classes.
You’ll even have the opportunity to live with a Vietnamese family, thanks to our homestays.