～てみせる

How to form it

• Verb (て-form) + みせる

Register: Neutral

Explanation

Has two uses: a strong resolve to do something and prove it ('I'll pass, you'll see'), and showing someone how something is done by doing it.

In the resolve use the subject is usually the speaker. The feeling is determination to prove oneself.

Examples

1. 今度こそ、合格してみせる。

   こんどこそ、ごうかくしてみせる。

   This time I'll pass, just you watch.

2. 彼は難しい曲を完璧に弾いてみせた。

   かれはむずかしいきょくをかんぺきにひいてみせた。

   He played the difficult piece perfectly to show us.

3. 見ていてください。私が一人でやってみせます。

   みていてください。わたしがひとりでやってみせます。

   Watch me. I'll show you how I can do it by myself.

Compare with

• ～べく: べく states a purpose; てみせる expresses determination to prove something.

Common mistakes

• Confusing it with てみる (try doing).