How to Say “Can I try first?” in Chinese
Shopping · HSK 3
"Can I try first?" in Chinese is 我可以先试试吗？ (Wǒ kěyǐ xiān shìshi ma?). 试试 (shìshi) is a reduplicated verb; doubling a verb in Chinese softens it and gives a 'have a little try' feeling. For clothes, use 试试 or 试穿 (shìchuān, try on); for food samples, 尝尝 (chángchang, taste) is more natural.
Primary translation
我可以先试试吗？
Wǒ kěyǐ xiān shìshi ma?
Traditional: 我可以先試試嗎？
Variants by register
Formal
请问我可以先试一下吗？
Qǐngwèn wǒ kěyǐ xiān shì yíxià ma?
When to use it
试试 (shìshi) is a reduplicated verb; doubling a verb in Chinese softens it and gives a 'have a little try' feeling. For clothes, use 试试 or 试穿 (shìchuān, try on); for food samples, 尝尝 (chángchang, taste) is more natural. In Chinese markets, especially tea shops and food stalls, trying before buying is totally expected; don't be shy. At upscale boutiques or cosmetics counters, add 请问 (qǐngwèn, excuse me) for politeness. 先 means 'first' and sets up the implied 'before I decide to buy.'
Example sentences
这件衣服我可以先试试吗？
Zhè jiàn yīfu wǒ kěyǐ xiān shìshi ma?
Can I try this piece of clothing on first?
这个茶我能先尝尝吗？
Zhège chá wǒ néng xiān chángchang ma?
Can I taste this tea first?
当然可以，试衣间在那边。
Dāngrán kěyǐ, shì yī jiān zài nàbiān.
Of course; the fitting room is over there.