Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 見せる | miseru | [mʲise̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 示す | shimesu | [ɕime̞sɨ] (narrow) |
| 表す | arawasu | [a̠ɾa̠β̞a̠sɨ] (narrow) [ço̞ːsɨ] (narrow) |
The word 'show' can be translated in several ways depending on whether you are presenting a physical object, an abstract sign or an expression of an idea. 見せる is the most common verb for the everyday action of showing a physical item, like a photo or a ticket, to another person. 示す is used for more abstract showing, such as indicating a direction, demonstrating a proof or displaying a sign or indication. Finally, 表す is used when 'showing' means expressing a feeling, representing a concept or manifesting an idea through words or symbols.
Which one should you use?
Use 見せる when you physically or visually present an object or a part of yourself to another person's eyes. Use 示す when you are showing evidence, a direction or a sign. Use 表す when you are showing something in the sense of expressing or representing a concept or feeling.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
miseru
Did you know?
- The word 表す shares an ancestral root with the adjective meaning 'naked' or 'exposed', implying that to express an idea is to make it 'bare' to the world.
- While 見せる refers to the physical act of showing, Japanese culture often emphasizes the 'showing' of one's face 顔を出す as a way to maintain social obligations and connections.
- In Japanese, the act of 'showing' a trump card 切り札を見せる is often used metaphorically in business and negotiation to describe revealing a secret advantage.
Examples in context
- 喜怒哀楽を見せるな。Don't let your feelings show.This sentence is useful for expressing the idea of not letting your emotions show using 見せる.Tatoeba #183532 by KK_kaku_, translation #20655 by CK
- あんまり顔を見せる機会もない。I don't get the chance to show my face much.This sentence shows how to use 見せる regarding the opportunity to show one's face.Tatoeba #10588192 by Sonata, translation #12483886 by Lumi
- 切り札は最後まで見せるな。見せるなら、さらに奥の手を持て。Keep that ace up your sleeve. If you're going to show it, have another even further up.This sentence demonstrates the use of 見せる when talking about showing a trump card.Tatoeba #142114 by small_snow, translation #272456 by papabear
- このテレビ番組はとても面白いです。This TV show is very interesting.
- 私は来週の公演を楽しみにしています。I am looking forward to the upcoming performance.
- あのショーはすごくかっこいいんだよ。That show is really cool, you know.
- 今日の番組はおもしろかったよ。Today's show was interesting.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hiroto and Yui are looking at photos from a trip.
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣、旅行の写真を見せて。Yui, ryokou no shashin o misete.Yui, show me the photos from your trip.
- 結衣 Yuiいいよ。この写真が一番のお気に入りだよ。Ii yo. Kono shashin ga ichiban no okiniiri da yo.Sure. This photo is my favorite.
- 大翔 Hirotoわあ、本当にきれいな景色だね。Waa, hontou ni kirei na keshiki da ne.Wow, it's a really beautiful view.
- 結衣 Yuiでしょ？他にもたくさん見せるね。Desho? Hoka ni mo takusan miseru ne.Right? I'll show you plenty of others too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “show” translations and entries 見せる, 示す, 表す, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 表す, 見せる, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
