试图 shìtú to attempt
to attempt; to try
How to remember 试图: 试 try + 图 diagram = to attempt.
Characters
How it is used
- To attempt / try to (do something) - 试图逃跑 (shìtú táopǎo) to attempt to escape.
- Written/formal verb taking another verb; often implies the attempt may fail or is viewed neutrally by a narrator.
- Contrast spoken 想 (xiǎng) / 打算; 试图 belongs to narration and reports, e.g. 试图掩盖真相 (shìtú yǎngài zhēnxiàng) attempting to cover up the truth.
Example sentences
- 她试图说服他来参加会议。 Tā shìtú shuōfú tālái cānjiā huìyì.She tried to persuade him to attend the meeting.
- 我们试图让手指互相交错。 Wǒmen shìtú ràng shǒuzhǐ hùxiāng jiāocuò.We kept our fingers crossed.
- 他试图游过河，但是失败了。 Tā shìtú yóu guòhé, dànshì shībài le.He failed in his attempt to swim across the river.