What it means
てごらん attaches to a verb's て-form and tells someone to try doing that action. It is an encouraging command, but the speaker is usually in a position to guide the listener, such as a teacher, parent, or experienced person. The expression is familiar and can sound strong or patronizing when used toward an equal or superior. A softened command form is てごらんなさい.
Usage note
てごらん is not a neutral polite request. For an ordinary polite request, てみてください is more natural; てごらんなさい is a softened or instructive command rather than a standard polite counterpart.
How to use it
この本を読んでごらんなさい。
Try reading this book.
この本を読んでごらん。
Try reading this book.
Example sentences
まず、観察した植物の特徴をノートに三つ書いてごらん。
First, try writing three characteristics of the plant you observed in your notebook.
この薬の説明書を声に出して読んでごらん。
Try reading the instructions for this medicine aloud.
難しい漢字も、辞書を使わずに書