Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Show" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "show", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
みせる
みせる (miseru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
見せる
みせる (miseru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "show" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between みせる and 見せる.
In Japanese, みせる (みせる (miseru)) is typically associated with "to show" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Transitive verb.
On the other hand, 見せる (みせる (miseru)) maps to "to show (something)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Transitive verb. To let someone see something, or to display.. A literal translation of "show" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "パスポートを見せてください。" (Meaning: "Please show me your passport.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "みせる" fits here because it means "to show" in the context of: "Please show me your passport.". "見せる" represents "to show (something)".