ISORI

〜てみせる

JLPT N1:

I will definitely do it

Expresses determination to accomplish something and demonstrate the result, often in the face of difficulty or doubt.

How to form it

  • Add みせる to the て-form: 合格(ごうかく)してみせる.
  • The subject deliberately promises or resolves to bring about the result.
  • Although it comes from 見(み)せる, the construction need not involve literally showing something.

Examples

次(つぎ)の試験(しけん)には必(かなら)ず合格(ごうかく)してみせる。

I will definitely pass the next exam and prove it.

この問題(もんだい)は私(わたし)が解決(かいけつ)してみせます。

I will solve this problem, you will see.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing it with 〜てみる, which means to try an action and see what it is like.
  • Using it for an accidental result with no determination.

Same form, different meaning

  • 〜てみるtry doing

    てみる means “try doing”; てみせる means “I will do it and prove it”.