This phrase means 'try doing something'. It is a gentle way to tell someone to do something. You use it when you are in a higher position than the other person.
Verb [て-form] + ごらんPrimary
Verb [て-form] + ごらんなさい
This phrase means 'try doing something'. It is a gentle way to tell someone to do something. You use it when you are in a higher position than the other person.
ほら、泣いてないで、自分でやってごらん。
Come on, don't cry, try doing it yourself.
分からなかったら、この辞書で調べてごらんなさい。
If you don't understand, try looking it up in this dictionary.
母に「もっと野菜を食べてごらん」と昔よく言われた。
My mother used to often tell me, 'Try eating more vegetables.'
そんなに怖がらないで、少しだけ触ってごらん。
Don't be so scared, just try touching it a little.
自分の心の声に耳を澄ましてごらん。答えはそこにあるかもしれないよ。
Try listening to the voice of your own heart. The answer might be there.
The longer form sounds a bit more serious. Teachers might use it. The shorter form is softer. Parents often use it with children. Both are gentle ways to tell someone to try something.
This is different from 〜てみる. 〜てみる means "I will try." 〜てごらん means "You should try." You use 〜てごらん to tell someone else what to do. You cannot use 〜てごらん for yourself. For example, you cannot say "I will try" with 〜てごらん.
Don't use this when you talk to someone above you. For example, don't say it to your boss. You can sound rude or like you think you are better than them.
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