This phrase challenges someone to do something. It means 'I dare you to try' or 'Go ahead and do it'. The speaker thinks it is a bad idea or impossible.
Verb [て-form] + みろPrimary
Verb [て-form] + みな
This phrase challenges someone to do something. It means 'I dare you to try' or 'Go ahead and do it'. The speaker thinks it is a bad idea or impossible.
できるもんならやってみろ！
If you think you can do it, then go on and try!
俺に逆らってみろ、ただじゃ済まないぞ。
Go ahead and defy me. I promise you it won't end well.
この恩を忘れてみろ。後でどうなっても知らないからな。
Just try and forget this favor I did for you. I won't be responsible for what happens later.
彼は「やれるものなら、やってみろ」と私を挑発した。
He provoked me, saying, "If you think you can do it, go ahead and try."
その戦略で勝てると思うなら、やってみな。こっちは対策済みだ。
If you think you can win with that strategy, go ahead and try. I've already got a counter for it.
This is not a friendly suggestion. It is like saying, "I dare you!" The speaker thinks you cannot do it. Or they think it is a bad idea. They want to make you angry.
This is different from "〜てごらん" and "〜てみる". Those are softer ways to ask someone to try something. "〜てみろ" is not like "〜ものなら" which is about your own wish. It is also not like "〜ようものなら" which gives a warning. "〜てみろ" is a direct challenge to another person. It dares them to do something.
Don't use this when you want to be polite. For example, don't say this to your boss. This form is a command. It is very strong. Men often use it. It can sound rough or angry. It is not for formal talks. It cannot be changed to past tense. "〜てみな" is a bit softer. But it is still very casual. It can still sound like a fight.
Use this when you want to challenge someone. You are daring them to do something. You think they cannot do it. Or you think it is a bad idea.
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