Processing keyword: Verb てみせる (Verb te miseru)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb てみせる (Verb te miseru)

Verb てみせる (Verb te miseru) - Detailed Grammar Explanation

1. Introduction

The verb construction てみせる (te miseru) is a combination of the て-form of a verb and the verb みせる (miseru), which means "to show." This expression is used to indicate that someone will not only do something but also show it to others.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: The phrase てみせる translates to "to do (an action) and show (it)." It conveys the intention to demonstrate a skill or action to someone.
• Structure: The structure consists of:
  • Main Verb (in て-form) + みせる
• Formation:
  • て-form of Verb + みせる
    • Example: 楽しむ (tanoshimu - to enjoy) → 楽しんでみせる (tanoshinde miseru - will enjoy and show it)

Diagram

Main Verb (て-form) → + みせる → てみせる (to do and show)

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• Verb てあげる (te ageru): This means "to do for someone." It emphasizes performing an action as a favor, while てみせる emphasizes showing the action.
• Verb てくれる (te kureru): Similar to てあげる, but the focus is on receiving an action from someone rather than demonstrating it.

  Grammar Point	Focus
  てみせる	Doing an action and showing it
  てあげる	Doing an action for someone
  てくれる	Receiving an action from someone

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:
   • 先生のために、料理を作ってみせます。
     • (Sensei no tame ni, ryouri o tsukutte misemasu.)
     • "I will cook and show it to the teacher."
2. Informal:
   • 彼に上手に歌ってみせるよ。
     • (Kare ni jouzu ni utatte miseru yo.)
     • "I will sing well to show him."
3. Written:
   • このプロジェクトの成果を発表してみせます。
     • (Kono purojekuto no seika o happyou shite misemasu.)
     • "I will present the results of this project."
4. Spoken:
   • 明日、ギターを弾いてみせるね。
     • (Ashita, gitaa o hiite miseru ne.)
     • "I will play the guitar and show you tomorrow."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Demonstrating Skills: In Japanese culture, showing competence and skill is highly valued, especially in formal settings or traditional arts. Using てみせる conveys confidence in one's abilities.
• Politeness Levels: The way you express this construction can vary based on the level of politeness. Using みせます or a more casual form like みせる can reflect the relationship with the listener.

Idiomatic Expressions

• "見せてあげる" (misete ageru) - "I'll show you" (doing a favor by showing).
• "試してみせる" (tameshite miseru) - "I'll try it and show you."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Confusing with てあげる/てくれる: Learners might confuse this structure with others that express actions done for someone, neglecting the "show" aspect.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that みせる contains "misu" which sounds like "miss," as in you can "miss showing" something if you forget てみせる.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• The expression てみせる indicates "to do (an action) and show it."
• It is formed by taking the て-form of a verb and adding みせる.
• Used to express intention to demonstrate skills or actions.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does てみせる mean?
2. How would you express "I will show you how to dance" using this construction?
3. Compare てみせる with another similar grammar point. Answers:
4. "To do (an action) and show it."
5. (踊ってみせる - odotte miseru)
6. (Comparative analysis provided above)