Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "みせる", "示す", "強がり", "衒う"
All represent the core concept "show", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
みせる
みせる (miseru)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
示す
しめす (shimesu)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
強がり
つよがり (tsuyogari)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
衒う
衒う(てらう)
C2PLUS / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "show" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "みせる", "示す", "強がり", "衒う" based on context.
- みせる (みせる (miseru) - Level: N5): Maps to "to show" and is used when Transitive verb.
- 示す (しめす (shimesu) - Level: N3): Maps to "to show; to indicate; to point out; to express; to demonstrate" and is used when 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！』.
- 強がり (つよがり (tsuyogari) - Level: N3): Maps to "show of strength; bluff; pretending to be tough; bravado" and is used when 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.
- 衒う (衒う(てらう) - Level: C2PLUS): Maps to "to show off; to parade (one's knowledge); to be ostentatious" and is used when Essential structural term in CEFR C2PLUS vocabulary syllabus..
Context for "みせる"
パスポートを見せてください。
Please show me your passport.
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.
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.
Context for "衒う"
毎日、日本語を練習するために衒う。
Every day, I show off; to parade (one's knowledge); to be ostentatious to practice Japanese.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
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" is correct here because it represents "to show" in the context: "Please show me your passport.".