# Thử / xem: try (and see) in Vietnamese (A2)

> Thử means "try", in the sense of "try it and see". It usually goes after the verb: ăn thử (taste), mặc thử (try on), làm thử (have a go): Ngon lắm, anh…

Source: https://vietnamesebuddy.com/grammar/thu-try/ · Updated 2026-10-17

**try (and see)**

Pattern: `[verb] + thử · [verb] + thử + coi / xem · thử + [verb] + coi / xem`

Level: A2 (our estimate) · Register: everyday

Typed without accents: thu, xem

Situations: [Shops and services](https://vietnamesebuddy.com/grammar/?use=service)

Saigon: thử; thử … coi | Hà Nội: thử; thử … xem

*Thử* means "try", in the sense of "try it and see". It usually goes after the verb: *ăn thử* (taste), *mặc thử* (try on), *làm thử* (have a go): *Ngon lắm, anh ăn thử đi.* It's really good, try some.

In Saigon you'll often hear *coi* at the end, meaning "and see": *Chị mặc thử coi.* Try it on and see. In Hà Nội it's *xem*: *mặc thử xem*. *Coi* also works without *thử*: *Đoán coi!* Guess! And *thử* can go before the verb, with *coi* at the end: *Thử hỏi anh Minh coi.* Try asking Minh.

In a clothes shop, ask *Em mặc thử cái này được không chị?* Can I try this on?

*Thử* isn't "try hard, make an effort". For that, use *cố* or *cố gắng*: *Em sẽ cố gắng.* I'll do my best.

## A common mistake

✗ Em sẽ thử tới đúng giờ.

✓ Em sẽ cố tới đúng giờ.

*Thử* is "try it out and see". For "try to, make an effort", use *cố* or *cố gắng*.

## Examples

- Ngon lắm, anh ăn thử đi. — It's really good, try some.
- Em mặc thử cái này được không chị? — Can I try this on?
- Saigon: Chị mặc thử coi, chắc vừa đó. | Hà Nội: Chị mặc thử xem, chắc vừa đấy. — Try it on, I think it'll fit.
- Saigon: Thử hỏi anh Minh coi. | Hà Nội: Thử hỏi anh Minh xem. — Try asking Minh.

## Words in this pattern

- [coi](https://vietnamesebuddy.com/words/coi-watch/#s_coi_and_see): and see
- [thử](https://vietnamesebuddy.com/words/thu-try/#s_thu_try): try
- [xem](https://vietnamesebuddy.com/words/xem-watch/#s_xem_and_see): and see

Previous in Là, có, and how verbs work together: [To or for someone: verb + thing + cho + person](https://vietnamesebuddy.com/grammar/cho-to-for/)
Next in Là, có, and how verbs work together: [Again (annoyingly), unexpectedly: lại before the verb](https://vietnamesebuddy.com/grammar/lai-before-verb/)

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