Japanese grammar
What does ～てみせる mean? Japanese grammar N1
～てみせる means will definitely…; will show that one can….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vて形 + みせる |
| Romaji | temiseru |
| Meaning | will definitely…; will show that one can… |
Forming it
| Verb (resolve) | 合格して + みせる |
|---|---|
| Verb (demonstrate) | 解いて + みせる |
How to use it
Two meanings: (a) a strong resolve, "I'll definitely do it, just watch"; (b) demonstrating something for someone else to see.
- 「～てみせる」 meaning (a): declaring a strong RESOLVE — 「今年こそ合格してみせる」 (this year I'll definitely pass, just watch).
- Meaning (b): deliberately doing something for someone else to SEE (demonstrating) — 「先生が解いてみせた」.
- Meaning (a) is often used with 「必ず／きっと／こそ」 and is usually in an emphatic declarative form.
Examples
今年こそ試験に合格してみせる。
This year I’ll pass the exam, just watch me.
先生は難しい問題を解いてみせた。
The teacher solved the difficult problem to show us how.
Keep in mind
- Distinguish the two meanings by context.
- The resolve meaning often pairs with 「必ず／こそ」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong合格してみせたいです。
I'll definitely pass, just watch.
Correct合格してみせる。
The resolve meaning is a DEFINITIVE declaration — it's not softened with the 「～たい」 form.
-
Wrong料理を作ってみせたいのでレシピをください。
I want to try cooking that, so please give me the recipe.
Correct料理を作ってみたいのでレシピをください。
"Wanting to try doing" is 「～てみる」; 「～てみせる」 = doing it for someone to see / a resolve.
Exam tips
- 「てみせる」 = (a) definitely will... just watch (resolve) / (b) demonstrating for someone to see.