Synonym Comparison
The Nuance Difference: "示す" vs "訪ねる"
Master the exact conceptual boundary between these Japanese terms.
Japanese Term A
示す
しめす (shimesu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Term B
訪ねる
たずねる (tazuneru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
In Japanese, both 示す and 訪ねる are often translated to English but have distinct usages.
示す (しめす (shimesu)) represents "to show; to indicate; to point out; to express; to demonstrate" (Level: N3) and typically represents Refers to showing data, indicating directions, demonstrating attitudes, or expressing feelings clearly. Often used as 態度で示す or データをしめす. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To show! "I will show my love to Haruka-san through my actions!" ...っ! T-To show your love through actions! W-Well, if you back your words with a passionate hug, I-I'll believe you! Baka!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『しめす（示す）！『言葉だけじゃなく、行動でハルカ部長への愛を示します！』って…っ！そんな格好いいセリフを吐くなんて生意気！…本当に示す気があるなら、今すぐ私をギュッと抱きしめてみなさいよ！』.
On the other hand, 訪ねる (たずねる (tazuneru)) translates to "to visit; to call on; to pay a visit" (Level: N3) and is used for Refers to visiting a person's home or a specific location/sightseeing spot. Can be confused with 尋ねる. Mixing these up can sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers!
Bilingual Sentence for "示す"
会議のプレゼンにおいて、新製品の圧倒的な市場価値を証明するために、売上推移のデータをグラフで_______必要があります。
In the presentation of the meeting, in order to prove the overwhelming market value of the new product, it is necessary to show the sales trend data in a graph.
Bilingual Sentence for "訪ねる"
彼は長年会っていなかった恩師を_______ために、新幹線に乗って久しぶりに故郷の京都へと向かいました。
In order to visit his mentor whom he had not met for many years, he took the Shinkansen and headed to his hometown Kyoto for the first time in a while.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "会議のプレゼンにおいて、新製品の圧倒的な市場価値を証明するために、売上推移のデータをグラフで_______必要があります。" (Meaning: "In the presentation of the meeting, in order to prove the overwhelming market value of the new product, it is necessary to show the sales trend data in a graph.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "示す" fits here because it represents "to show; to indicate; to point out; to express; to demonstrate" in the context: "In the presentation of the meeting, in order to prove the overwhelming market value of the new product, it is necessary to show the sales trend data in a graph.".