Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Show" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "show", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
見せる
みせる (miseru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
強がり
つよがり (tsuyogari)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "show" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 見せる and 強がり.
In Japanese, 見せる (みせる (miseru)) is typically associated with "to show (something)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Transitive verb. To let someone see something, or to display..
On the other hand, 強がり (つよがり (tsuyogari)) maps to "show of strength; bluff; pretending to be tough; bravado" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to putting on a show of strength, bluffing, or pretending to be tough/fine when one is actually weak, tired, or hurt. Often used as 強がりを言う. A literal translation of "show" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "見せる"
パスポートを見せてください。
Please show me your passport.
Bilingual Context for "強がり"
『平気だ』と_______を言って笑ってみせましたが、彼女の瞳は潤んでいました。
She put on a show of strength saying 'I am fine' and smiled, but her eyes were wet.
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: "見せる" fits here because it means "to show (something)" in the context of: "Please show me your passport.". "強がり" represents "show of strength; bluff; pretending to be tough; bravado".