N1 Intention and Volition

~てみせる: meaning, usage and examples

~てみせる means: I will definitely... / I'll show you...

Updated 9 November 2026 · By the My Senpai team · Spotted a mistake? Tell us

Examples

1. 次つぎの試験しけんでは、必かならず満点まんてんを取とってみせる。

   I will definitely get a perfect score on the next test.

2. 不可能ふかのうだと言いわれても、必かならず成功せいこうさせてみせる。

   Even if they say it's impossible, I'll show them I can succeed.

3. 今度こんどこそ、このチームを優勝ゆうしょうさせてみせる。

   This time, I will lead this team to the championship, just watch.

4. 笑わらわれても構かまわない。いつか自分じぶんの店みせを持もってみせる。

   I don't care if people laugh. Someday I will have my own shop, you'll see.

When to use it

States a strong resolve to do something and prove it to others: "I will do it, just watch". Often with 必かならず, きっと, 今度こんどこそ. Example: 必かならず合格ごうかくしてみせる, I will pass, you will see. (It can also mean "show someone how", as in やってみせる, but the sense is determination.)

Nuance

Determined, sometimes defiant; often a reply to doubt or a challenge. Used for the speaker's own future actions. Spoken or written monologue, often said to yourself; not used to describe other people's plans.

Compare

てやる also shows determination, but rougher and can be aggressive: 絶対ぜったい勝かってやる. てみせる adds "I will prove it to others". つもりだ is a neutral plan: 合格ごうかくするつもりだ. てみせる is volition plus a challenge.

Tip: Imagine someone said "you can't". The answer is 〜てみせる. With できる, say やってみせる or 成功せいこうさせてみせる instead.