What's the phrase for saying "I'd like to try this on" in Chinese
The phrase for “I’d like to try this on” in Chinese is:
我想试试这个 (Wǒ xiǎng shì shì zhè ge)
or more simply
我想试试 (Wǒ xiǎng shì shì)
Another common way to say it, especially in a store is:
我可以试穿一下吗？ (Wǒ kě yǐ shì chuān yī xià ma?) — which means “Can I try this on?”
These expressions are commonly used when wanting to try on clothes or items.
What each phrase means
我想试试这个 is the most direct, everyday way to say “I’d like to try this one.” It uses 想, which signals intention or desire, and 试试, the reduplicated form of “try,” which sounds natural and conversational in Mandarin.
我想试试 is shorter and works when the item is already obvious from context. In a clothing store, that might be enough after pointing at a shirt, jacket, or pair of shoes.
我可以试穿一下吗？ is the most practical store phrase when trying on clothing. The verb 试穿 specifically means “to try on clothes,” so it is more precise than 试试, which can apply to many things, from food to services to products.
When to use each version
- 我想试试这个: useful when holding or pointing to an item.
- 我想试试: useful when the item is clear from the situation.
- 我可以试穿一下吗？: useful for clothes, especially in shops and fitting rooms.
A natural reply from staff might be 可以, 当然可以, or 去试衣间吧, meaning “Yes,” “Of course,” or “Go to the fitting room.”
Pronunciation notes
Mandarin pronunciation matters here because the difference between sounding polite and sounding abrupt often comes from tone and sentence shape.
- 我想: wǒ xiǎng
- 试试: shì shì
- 这个: zhè ge
The phrase 我想试试这个 is spoken with a relaxed, polite tone. The double 试试 is especially common in spoken Chinese because repetition softens the request and makes it feel less stiff.
试穿一下 adds another polite softener: 一下. In everyday Mandarin, 一下 often makes requests sound lighter and less forceful, similar to “for a moment” or “just a quick try.”
Useful store situations
In a clothing store, the most natural full sentence is usually:
- 我可以试穿一下吗？ — “Can I try this on?”
- 这个可以试穿吗？ — “Can this be tried on?”
- 我想试试这个尺码。 — “I’d like to try this size.”
If the item is shoes, glasses, or accessories, 试穿 still works for clothing, but Chinese speakers may also use more specific verbs depending on the item and context.
Common mistakes
A common mistake is using 试试 for every situation without context. 试试 is broad and flexible, but in a shop 试穿 is clearer when the item is clothing.
Another common mistake is over-translating English word order. Chinese often sounds more natural with a direct, simple request rather than a long polite sentence. 我想试试这个 is short, standard, and easy to say.
Short takeaway
For clothing, the safest everyday choice is 我可以试穿一下吗？
For a more casual “I’d like to try this,” use 我想试试这个.
For a very short version, 我想试试 is also natural when the item is obvious.