Translation guide
The English word "show" covers many distinct meanings. This guide breaks them down into practical categories for learners, from displaying something to proving a point, with natural Japanese equivalents.
To physically present something for someone to look at, such as an object, a picture, or a screen.
The most common and versatile verb for showing something to someone. Use with に for the person you show it to.
写真を見せてください。
Please show me the photo.
彼にパスポートを見せた。
I showed him my passport.
Humble form of 見せる, used when showing something to a superior or customer.
資料をお見せします。
I will show you the documents.
To show off something proudly, often with a negative nuance of flaunting.
新しい車を見せびらかしている。
He's showing off his new car.
To make something known or evident, such as directions, feelings, or data.
Used for showing abstract things like evidence, intention, or a direction. More formal than 見せる.
地図が道を示している。
The map shows the way.
彼は興味を示さなかった。
He showed no interest.
To express or represent something, often used for emotions, symbols, or meanings.
To point out or indicate clearly, often physically or in a diagram.
To provide evidence or make something clear through facts or actions.
To prove or demonstrate that something is true. Often used in formal or scientific contexts.
彼は無実を証明した。
He showed his innocence.
Also used for demonstrating a fact or trend, especially with data.
調査結果がその傾向を示している。
The survey results show that trend.
To make clear or reveal, often used when uncovering a truth.
彼は真実を明らかにした。
He showed the truth.
To lead someone to a place or show them around.
To guide or show someone around a place, like a city or building.
町を案内しましょうか。
Shall I show you around town?
To take someone to a place, implying showing them the way.
駅まで連れて行ってあげる。
I'll show you to the station.
To demonstrate a process or skill so someone can learn it.
To teach or show how to do something. Very common.
やり方を教えてください。
Please show me how to do it.
To show an example or model, literally 'show a sample'.
まず手本を見せます。
First, I'll show you an example.
To present a program on television, in a theater, or online.
To screen a movie in a theater.
その映画は来月上映される。
The movie will be shown next month.
To broadcast on TV or radio.
その番組は今夜放送される。
The show will be shown tonight.
To stream or play a video/audio, often online.
To become noticeable or able to be seen.
Intransitive; something is visible or can be seen. Not a direct action of showing.
遠くに山が見える。
A mountain shows in the distance.
To appear or show up, often for people or things coming into view.
To manifest or become evident, often for emotions or effects.
To present items in an exhibition, gallery, or fair.
To exhibit or display items publicly.
美術館で絵を展示している。
They are showing paintings at the museum.
To exhibit or submit a work at a show or competition.
彼は展覧会に作品を出品した。
He showed his work at the exhibition.
見せる is for physically showing something to someone. 示す is for indicating abstract things like data, intentions, or directions. Using 見せる for abstract concepts can sound unnatural.
English uses 'show' in many phrasal verbs and idioms (show up, show off, show around). Japanese often uses completely different verbs. Always consider the intended meaning first.
この絵は悲しみを表している。
This painting shows sadness.
矢印が出口を指し示している。
The arrow shows the exit.
They're showing a video on YouTube.
彼は突然現れた。
He showed up suddenly.
彼の緊張が顔に表れている。
His nervousness shows on his face.