Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "みせる", "示す", "見せびらかす", "見せつける"
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
見せびらかす
みせびらかす (misebirakasu)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
見せつける
みせつける (misetsukeru)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "show" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "みせる", "示す", "見せびらかす", "見せつける" 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！』.
- 見せびらかす (みせびらかす (misebirakasu) - Level: N2): Maps to "to show off, to display ostentatiously" and is used when Carries a negative connotation, implying that someone is deliberately displaying something.
- 見せつける (みせつける (misetsukeru) - Level: N2): Maps to "to show off, to flaunt, to display (to impress/intimidate)" and is used when Deliberately showing something to others, often with a sense of pride, boastfulness, or provocation. It's about making others notice..
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 "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.
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.
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.".