トライ
torai[to̞ɾa̠i]
The English phrase 'tri' (meaning an attempt) is translated into Japanese as トライ (torai).
トライ means an attempt or a try. It is commonly used in contexts involving challenges, such as sports, games or attempting a new skill.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a loanword from the English word 'try'.
How do you pronounce it?
torai
Did you know?
- If a company wants to sound like a cutting-edge tech startup, they might use トライ in their slogan instead of the traditional word 挑戦. The loanword feels more energetic and less heavy than the native term.
- While English speakers use 'try' as a verb, Japanese speakers almost always use トライ as a noun. You will often hear it in the phrase トライする, which combines the noun with the verb 'to do'.
- The word トライ is part of a larger trend of 'Wasei-eigo', or Japanese-made English, where English words are adapted to fit Japanese social contexts.
Examples in context
- 三角形って日本語で何て言うんだっけ？What's the word for "triangle" in Japanese?
- まずは一度、トライしてみましょう。Mazu wa ichido, torai shite mimashou.First, let's give it a try.
- 失敗しても、トライすることが大切です。Shippai shite mo, torai suru koto ga taisetsu desu.Even if you fail, attempting it is important.
- 新しい料理にトライした。Atarashii ryouri ni torai shita.I tried a new recipe.
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are talking about learning a new sport.
- 美咲 Misaki健太さん、テニスをやってみませんか？Kenta-san, tenisu o yatte mimasen ka?Kenta, why don't you try playing tennis?
- 健太 Kentaいいですね。ぜひトライしたいです。Ii desu ne. Zehi torai shitai desu.That sounds good. I'd love to give it a try.
- 美咲 Misaki今週末に一緒に練習しましょう。Konshūmatsu ni issho ni renshū shimashou.Let's practice together this weekend.
- 健太 Kentaお願いします。楽しみです！Onegaishimasu. Tanoshimi desu!Please do. I'm looking forward to it!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry トライ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
