Skip to content
JLPT N3Modal Expressions

～てみせる— I'll Show You I Can

Expresses a strong determination to accomplish something and prove it, often to others or oneself ('I'll definitely do it and show you'). Its literal sense is 'do X and show it', but figuratively it declares firm resolve. Also used literally to demonstrate an action for someone.

Grammar path · 練習

Practice this in the path

A short lesson: the pattern, its sentence anatomy, a quick quiz and a sentence to build.

Pro lessonUNIT 46 · MODAL EXPRESSIONS

Structure · 形

[Verb て-form] + みせる

Examples · 例文

  • 今度こそ、必ず合格してみせる。

    Kondo koso, kanarazu goukaku shite miseru.

    This time for sure, I'll pass and prove it.

    合格して (て-form) + みせる = a strong declaration of resolve

  • 先生が正しい書き方をやってみせた。

    Sensei ga tadashii kakikata o yatte miseta.

    The teacher demonstrated the correct way of writing.

    やって (て-form of やる) + みせた = literally showing/demonstrating an action

  • いつか自分の店を持ってみせる。

    Itsuka jibun no mise o motte miseru.

    Someday I'll have my own shop — just watch me.

    持って (て-form of 持つ) + みせる = firm resolve to achieve it

Usage notes · 注意

  • With verbs of achievement it expresses determination; often paired with 必ず or きっと.
  • The literal meaning is 'do and show/demonstrate' — context tells which sense applies.
  • Don't confuse with ～てみる ('try doing'), which looks similar but means the opposite kind of tentativeness.

Commonly confused with

The JLPT rarely asks whether you recognise a pattern — it asks which of several similar patterns fits. These are the ones ～てみせる is tested against.

vs～てみる

～てみる means to tentatively 'try doing' something; ～てみせる declares firm determination to do it and prove it.

vs～つもりだ

～つもりだ states a plan/intention neutrally; ～てみせる adds strong resolve and the sense of proving oneself to others.

More modal expressions

Study Japanese grammar on LenGaki

Everything on this page, ready to study

  • 7,788 JLPT vocabulary words, N5 through N1, with readings and audio (N5 free)
  • 2,057 kanji with on'yomi, kun'yomi and stroke-order practice
  • 445 grammar points with examples and commonly-confused comparisons
  • Full-length N5 and N4 mock exams, timed, with real listening audio (N5 sets 1 and 2 free)