Translation guide
The English verb 'demonstrate' has several distinct meanings. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression based on the intended meaning: showing how something works, proving a point, expressing feelings, or participating in a protest.
To explain or teach by showing, often with a practical example or action.
Literally 'actual performance', used for demonstrating a product, skill, or process in a practical way.
新製品の使い方を実演した。
I demonstrated how to use the new product.
A casual phrase meaning 'do and show', commonly used in everyday conversation.
やり方をやって見せてください。
Please demonstrate how to do it.
Means 'explain'. Often used when demonstrating involves verbal explanation rather than physical showing.
先生が問題の解き方を説明した。
The teacher demonstrated how to solve the problem.
Loanword from English 'demonstration', often used in business or technical contexts.
展示会で新ソフトのデモンストレーションをした。
We demonstrated the new software at the trade show.
To provide evidence or proof that something is true or exists.
The standard word for 'prove' or 'demonstrate' in the sense of showing evidence.
この実験はその理論が正しいことを証明している。
This experiment demonstrates that the theory is correct.
Means 'show' or 'indicate', often used in formal or written contexts to present evidence.
データは明らかな傾向を示している。
The data demonstrates a clear trend.
Means 'support' or 'corroborate', used when evidence backs up a claim.
To display or express a feeling, ability, or characteristic through actions.
Again 'show', but here for abstract qualities like courage, interest, etc.
彼は困難に直面しても勇気を示した。
He demonstrated courage in the face of difficulty.
Means 'show' in a more personal or emotional sense, often used for feelings or reactions.
Means 'display' or 'exert' (one's ability), often used for skills or leadership.
彼はリーダーシップを発揮した。
He demonstrated leadership.
To participate in a public protest or demonstration.
The most common way to say 'participate in a demonstration/protest'. 'デモ' is short for 'demonstration'.
多くの人が平和を求めてデモに参加した。
Many people demonstrated for peace.
Specifically refers to a protest march.
学生たちは授業料値上げに反対してデモ行進した。
Students demonstrated against the tuition hike.
A more formal term for 'protest activity'.
労働組合が賃上げを求めて抗議活動をした。
The labor union demonstrated for higher wages.
The English verb 'demonstrate' in the protest sense is not directly translated as a single verb in Japanese. Use phrases like デモに参加する or デモ行進する. Saying デモする is sometimes used casually but may sound awkward.
示す (shimesu) is more formal and objective, often used in writing or serious contexts. 見せる (miseru) is more personal and emotional, suitable for showing feelings or reactions.
この証言が彼の無実を裏付けている。
This testimony demonstrates his innocence.
She demonstrated her gratitude.