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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "attempt" with 试图 (shìtú)

    Actions & Events

    Structure

    Subject + 试图 + Verb Phrase

    Explanation

    The verb 试图 (shìtú) means "to attempt" or "to try to," implying an effort that may not succeed. It is more formal than 试 or 尝试 and often appears in written or news contexts, followed by the action being attempted.

    Examples

    • 他试图说服老板改变计划，但没有成功。

      tā shìtú shuōfú lǎobǎn gǎibiàn jìhuà, dàn méiyǒu chénggōng.

      He tried to persuade the boss to change the plan, but didn't succeed.

    • 小偷试图从窗户逃跑，被警察抓住了。

      xiǎotōu shìtú cóng chuānghu táopǎo, bèi jǐngchá zhuā zhù le.

      The thief tried to escape through the window but was caught by the police.

    • 她试图隐瞒事实，可最终还是被发现了。

      tā shìtú yǐnmán shìshí, kě zuìzhōng háishì bèi fāxiàn le.

      She tried to conceal the truth, but was eventually found out.

    Expressing "attempt" with 试图 (shìtú) | Chinese Grammar