We have already learned “[V-te]+iru”, “[V-te]+aru”, “[V-te]+oku”, and “[V-te]+shimau”. These verbs put behind a Te-form of a verb are mostly losing their original meaning and functioning to add meanings to the verb in Te-form. This time, we are learning “[V-te]+miru”.
“Miru/Mimasu” is a transitive verb which means to see, look at, and watch. It conjugates as a Group 2 verb. It is usually written with Kanji (見る) when it is used for the original meaning. But when used in the form of “[V-te]+miru”, it is often written only by Hiragana (みる). “[V-te]+miru” means to do something as a trial. It is like “Giving it a try”.
1. Sankousho o Mite mi masu. (I will try to check it on a reference book.)
It looks like the same verb is repeated, but two “Miru”(s) are different. The first “Mite” works as a verb with the original meaning. The second “Mimasu” is a supplementary verb to add meaning to the verb from behind.
2. Kono Fuku o Kite mite mo Iidesu ka. (May I try this outfit?)
Suppose this is uttered in front of the fitting room in a clothing store. “[V-te] mo Ii desuka” is an expression when asking a permission.
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This post was written with reference to the exercise A3 on Section40 of “Minna no Nihongo (2nd Edition)” published by “3A Corporation”
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