Vてみ(ぃ)

Vtemi(i)

Common uses

• Suggestion
• Request

Grammar elements

• Vてみ(ぃ)

The standard Japanese Vてみなさい, when used as an imperative, may become Vてみ in Kansai-ben. Vてみ can be also used to make a suggestion.

Kansai-ben vs. Standard

Standard	Vてみなさい Vてみれば？
Kansai-ben	Vてみ(ぃ)*

*Vowel extension often occurs with the final み.

Formation

V? (te-form?) +み(ぃ)

Examples

Standard	これ、おいしいよ。食べてみれば？
Kansai-ben	これ、おいしいで。食べてみぃ。
English	This is good. Try some.

Commentary

When (not) to use Vてみ(ぃ)

Vてみ(ぃ) should not be used with people who are in a superior or respected position.

Stirring up trouble with Vてみ(ぃ)

When Vてみ(ぃ) is pronounced with a rising tone, it can be perceived as a challenge, something along the lines of "just try and see".

Challenging

Standard	なぐれるものならなぐってみろよ。
Kansai-ben	なぐれるもんならなぐってみぃ。
English	Do you think you can punch me? (Try and see.)