试图

• Pinyin: shì tú
• Hanzi breakdown: 试 = 讠(speech) + 式 (style); 图 = 囗 (enclosure) + 冬 (winter), originally a map/plan

Meaning

To attempt; to try (often implying the attempt may fail).

A formal verb meaning to try or attempt something, often with the implication that success is uncertain or that the attempt ultimately failed. More formal than 尝试 and often used in written Chinese. Common in news reports and formal analysis.

Examples

1. 他试图说服父母同意他出国留学。 He tried to persuade his parents to agree to him studying abroad.
2. 警方试图联系失踪者的家属。 The police attempted to contact the missing person's family.
3. 她试图隐瞒真相，但最终还是被发现了。 She tried to hide the truth, but was eventually discovered.

Usage Guide

Context: news, written, analysis

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 他试图逃跑但失败了。(He attempted to escape but failed.)
• 我们试图找到解决方案。(We are trying to find a solution.)

Don't Say

• 试图一下这个菜 — for casual 'try this food,' use 尝尝 or 试试, not 试图

Origin & History

Compound of 试 (to try/test) + 图 (to plan/seek), meaning to try to achieve something planned.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal