Meaning of 试图
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- to attempt
- to try
How to use 试图
试图 is a fairly formal verb, common in writing and news. It is usually followed by a verb phrase, and it often hints that the attempt failed or was difficult. Example: 他试图说服我，但是没有成功。(Tā shìtú shuōfú wǒ, dànshì méiyǒu chénggōng.) He tried to persuade me, but he did not succeed.
试 (shì) means to try or test, as in 考试 (kǎoshì), and 图 (tú) can mean to plan or aim for something. Put them together and you get trying to carry out a plan: to attempt.
Common mistake: Learners often use 试图 for casual trying, like tasting food or trying on clothes. For those, use 试试 (shìshi) or 尝尝 (chángchang) instead, because 试图 must be followed by a verb describing a purposeful effort.
试图 in example sentences
Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
试 shì · to test · 8 strokes
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图 tú · diagram · 8 strokes
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Related words
Words that share a character with 试图.
| 地图 | dìtú | map |
| 考试 | kǎoshì | to take an exam; exam |
| 图书馆 | túshūguǎn | library |
| 图片 | túpiàn | picture; photograph |
| 试验 | shìyàn | experiment; test |
| 图画 | túhuà | drawing; picture |
| 试题 | shìtí | exam question; test topic |
| 测试 | cèshì | to test (machinery etc); to test (a person's skill in a particular area) |
| 面试 | miànshì | to be interviewed (as a candidate); interview |
| 图案 | tú'àn | design; pattern |
| 试卷 | shìjuàn | examination paper; test paper |
| 尝试 | chángshì | to try (to see what it's like or whether one can do it) |
Questions about 试图
What does 试图 mean?
试图 (shìtú) means "to attempt; to try" and is used as a verb.
How do you write 试图?
试图 is made of 2 characters: 试 (8 strokes), 图 (8 strokes). That is 16 strokes in total.
Is 试图 an HSK word?
Yes. 试图 is on the HSK 5 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
How is 试图 written in traditional Chinese?
In traditional characters, 试图 is written 試圖.
What is the difference between 试图 and 尝试?
尝试 (chángshì) means to try something new and can be used as a noun, as in 一次尝试 (one attempt). 试图 is only a verb, needs a following verb phrase, and stresses the intention behind the effort, often one that did not work.
Can I use 试图 in everyday conversation?
You can, but it sounds a bit formal. In casual speech people more often say 想办法 (xiǎng bànfǎ) or 想要 (xiǎngyào), or simply use 试着 (shìzhe) before a verb.