essayer

Senses

1. 1.

   to try

   to attempt or endeavor to do something

2. 2.

   to try on

   to put on a garment to see if it fits or suits

3. 3.

   to test

   to check or evaluate something to determine its quality or function

Examples

• "Je vais essayer une nouvelle recette ce soir."

  I'm going to try a new recipe tonight.

• "Peux-tu essayer cette robe avant de l'acheter ?"

  Can you try on this dress before buying it?

• "Nous avons essayé plusieurs solutions pour résoudre le problème."

  We tested several solutions to solve the problem.

Usage

Essayer is one of the most common French verbs. It can mean "to try" (attempt) or "to try on" (clothing/accessories). The construction "essayer de + infinitive" emphasizes the attempt itself, while "essayer + object" often implies testing or trying on. Note the spelling change in conjugation: essai- before -e- (j'essaie, tu essaies, but nous essayons).