～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.
Structure
[Verb て-form] + みせる
Examples
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
• 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
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