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
見せつける
みせつける (misetsukeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "show" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 見せる and 見せつける.
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, 見せつける (みせつける (misetsukeru)) maps to "to show off, to flaunt, to display (to impress/intimidate)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Deliberately showing something to others, often with a sense of pride, boastfulness, or provocation. It's about making others notice.. 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 "見せつける"
彼は新しい車を友人に自慢げに見せつけた。
He showed off his new car to his friends boastfully.
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.". "見せつける" represents "to show off, to flaunt, to display (to impress/intimidate)".