Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Show" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "show", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
示す
しめす (shimesu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
見せびらかす
みせびらかす (misebirakasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "show" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 示す and 見せびらかす.
In Japanese, 示す (しめす (shimesu)) is typically associated with "to show; to indicate; to point out; to express; to demonstrate" (Syllabus Level: N3) and 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, 見せびらかす (みせびらかす (misebirakasu)) maps to "to show off, to display ostentatiously" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Carries a negative connotation, implying that someone is deliberately displaying something. A literal translation of "show" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context 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 Context for "見せびらかす"
彼は新しい高級車を近所の人に見せびらかしていた。
He was showing off his new luxury car to the neighbors.
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 means "to show; to indicate; to point out; to express; to demonstrate" in the context of: "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.". "見せびらかす" represents "to show off, to display ostentatiously".