พยายาม

Explanation

This is a standard verb used in both everyday conversation and writing. The effort can be small or substantial; the word does not necessarily suggest a prolonged struggle. The usual pattern is พยายาม followed directly by a verb: พยายามเข้าใจ means “try to understand.” You can also use พยายามที่จะ followed by a verb. When the action is clear from context, พยายาม can stand alone. จะพยายาม means “I'll try,” and พยายามอยู่ means “I'm trying.” The usual noun for “effort” is ความพยายาม. For everyday use, learn พยายาม itself as a verb.

Usage

Use it when discussing efforts at school or work, trying to change a habit, or working on a problem. It also fits replies such as “I'll try” and explanations that you made an effort even though something did not work out.

Caution

The position of ไม่ changes the meaning: ไม่พยายาม means “not try,” while พยายามไม่ followed by a verb means “try not to do something.” Do not use it merely to state a future plan. It conveys an attempt or effort, but does not tell you whether that effort succeeds. พยายามหน่อย can sound like a request to try harder. For friendly encouragement, สู้ ๆ นะ is a common choice, similar to “You can do it!”

1 try (to do something) synonyms

• ตั้งใจ

  ตั้งใจ expresses an intention to do something or the attention you give to an activity. พยายาม emphasizes the effort you make to carry something out.

• ลอง

  lɔɔŋ try

  ลอง means trying something out to see what happens or what it is like. พยายาม focuses on the effort to accomplish something: ลองพูด suggests giving speaking a try, while พยายามพูด means making an effort to speak.