Grammar Info

N1 Lesson 7: 4/17

~て()せる

I will definitely, I will certainly, Just watch, Whatever it takes, I swear, for sure

Structure

Verb[て]+ みせる

Details

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About Verb[て] + みせる

()せる, primarily written in hiragana, is an emphatic structure that indicates that the speaker is going to do (A) in a way that it is clear to the listener. This can be translated as 'I will definitely (A)', or 'I swear I will (A)', but the literal translation of 'I will show you that I'll do (A)' also makes the point clear.
To use てみせる, simply alter the verb preceding it into its て-form.
  • (まえ)のために、(つぎ)試合(しあい)では()てみせる
    I will definitely win the next competition for you!
  • 来週(らいしゅう)のテストで合格(ごうかく)てみせる
    I will definitely pass the test next week!
  • (あし)(いた)いけど、完走(かんそう)させてみせる
    My legs hurt, but I am definitely going to finish the race!
Due to みせる requiring a target for who the speaker is showing, this grammar pattern will only be used when there is either directly someone that will be shown (A), or when the speaker is talking about showing someone (A) that does not happen to be there at the moment either physically or temporally. It will not be used when simply strongly stating that you will do (A), unless who sees that (A) is important. In a sentence like this, where the person being shown is not obvious, it will come across as 'I'll show everyone'.
As ()せる literally just means to 'show (A)', it will often be used without any special emphasis. Whether it is being used emphatically or not will usually be obvious from the overall context of the sentence.

Examples

  • 今年(ことし)こそ、(かなら)運転(うんてん)免許(めんきょ)()てみせる。」

    'I will definitely get a drivers license this year!'

  • アニメ:友達(ともだち)1「先輩(せんぱい)(わたし)気持(きも)絶対(ぜったい)気付(きづ)かせてみせるわ!」
    (たよ)れる友達(ともだち)2「がんばれ!」

    An anime, Friend 1: 'I will definitely make senpai realize my feelings!'
    Supportive friend 2: 'Go for it!'

  • (なに)があっても、(かなら)ずファンの期待(きたい)(こた)てみせます!」

    'No matter what happens, I will definitely live up to my fans' expectations!'

  • ()けた(のち)相手(あいて)挑戦(ちょうせん)する:「(つぎ)こそ、(かなら)()てみせるぞ!あなたには()けない!」
    相手(あいて)「よし、かかってこい!」

    After losing, challenging the opponent: 'I will definitely win next time! I won't lose!'
    Opponent: 'OK! Bring it on!'

  • 小説(しょうせつ):「(かなら)この()魔王(まおう)(たお)てみせるという勇者(ゆうしゃ)えみりあの言葉(ことば)に、わたしたちは()けることにした。」

    Novel: 'We decided to bet on Emilia the hero's words, that she would definitely defeat the demon king with her very own hands.'

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Verb[て] + みせる – Grammar Discussion

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