What is the difference between "みせる" and "見せる"?

"みせる" means "to show" (N5), whereas "見せる" represents "to show (something)" (N4).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "みせる (miseru)"

Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.

Kanji Option A

みせる (miseru)

N5 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

みせる (miseru)

N4 / CEFR

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "みせる (miseru)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.

みせる (Level: N5): Translates to "to show" and is used when Transitive verb.
見せる (Level: N4): Maps to "to show (something)" and carries the nuance of Transitive verb. To let someone see something, or to display..

Mixing these up can easily result in unnatural writing. Look at the bilingual context cards below to master the conceptual boundaries!

Bilingual Context for "みせる"

パスポートを見せてください。

Please show me your passport.

Bilingual Context for "見せる"

パスポートを見せてください。

Please show me your passport.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "パスポートを見せてください。" (Meaning: "Please show me your passport.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "みせる" is used for "to show" in the context: "Please show me your passport.".