“To show” in Japanese is 見せる (みせる), pronounced miseru.
Pronunciation
The word has 3 beats (morae), each about the same length. Tap a syllable to hear it, or play the whole word:
How to use it
To show. 見せてください is useful in shops: please show me.
Example sentences
- パスポートを見せてください。パスポートをみせてください。Please show your passport.
- 写真を見せました。しゃしんをみせました。I showed the photos.
Conjugation
The most useful forms of 見せる. The rules are explained in Japanese verbs: the ます form.
| Form | Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary (plain) | 見せる みせる | show |
| Polite present | 見せます みせます | show |
| Polite negative | 見せません みせません | don’t show |
| Polite past | 見せました みせました | past of “show” |
| Plain negative (ない) | 見せない みせない | don’t show (casual) |
| Plain past (た) | 見せた みせた | past of “show” (casual) |
| て-form | 見せて みせて | show and… / please show (+ください) |
| Want to (たい) | 見せたい みせたい | want to show |
Quick practice
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Related words: Everyday verbs
FAQ
How do you say to show in Japanese?
To show in Japanese is 見せる (みせる), pronounced “miseru”.
How do you write to show in Japanese?
It's written 見せる with kanji, or みせる in hiragana. Both are read miseru.
Is 見せる on the JLPT?
Yes. 見せる (miseru) is a common word at JLPT N4 level, so it's worth learning early.