～て見せる
I will definitely, I will certainly, Just watch, Whatever it takes, I swear, for sure
Structure
Explanation
The grammar pattern て見せる, which is almost always written with hiragana, expresses the speaker's strong determination to accomplish something. It conveys the feeling of wanting to prove a point or demonstrate one's ability to an audience. Common translations include 'I'll definitely do (A)', 'I'll show you I can do (A)', or 'Just watch me do (A)'. The literal meaning, 'I will do (A) and show you', helps capture this nuance.
To form this expression, change the verb into its て-form and add みせる.
- 今夜は絶対にうまいカレーを作ってみせるよ！Tonight, I'll show you I can make a delicious curry!
- 次の試験では、必ず満点を取ってみせる。I swear I will get a perfect score on the next exam.
- どんなに難しくても、このパズルを完成してみせる。No matter how difficult, I am determined to complete this puzzle!
Because みせる implies an audience, this structure is used when the speaker is determined to demonstrate an action to someone. This 'someone' can be present, or just in the speaker's mind. It's not typically used for a simple declaration of will; the act of being seen by others is a key component. When the audience isn't specified, the nuance is often that the speaker will 'show the world' or 'prove everyone wrong'.
Since て見せる can also be used in its literal sense of 'doing something to show someone', it may not always carry strong emphasis. The surrounding context and tone of voice will usually make it clear whether it expresses fierce determination or is a more straightforward statement.
Examples
「この大きなプロジェクトを必ず成功させてみせる！」
'I will absolutely make this big project a success!'
父：「今年の夏休みは、お前を海に連れて行ってみせるからな。」
Father: 'I promise I'll take you to the beach this summer vacation.'
「次の試合では、絶対にゴールを決めてみせる。」
'In the next match, I will score a goal, no matter what.'
運動が苦手だけど、今度のマラソン大会では完走してみせる。
I'm not good at sports, but I am determined to finish the upcoming marathon.
彼ができないと言っていたこのパズルを、僕が解いてみせる。
I'm going to solve this puzzle that he said was impossible, just watch me.
「私の歌で、世界中の人を感動させてみせる！」
'I will move the hearts of people all over the world with my song!'
このゲームのラスボス、今日中にクリアしてみせるぞ！
I swear I'll beat the final boss of this game by the end of today!
兄：「お前には無理だ。」
弟：「そんなことない！必ず成し遂げてみせる！」
Older brother: 'You can't do it.'
Younger brother: 'That's not true! I'll show you that I can accomplish it!'
「一度は失敗したが、次のチャンスでは必ず巻き返してみせる。」
'I may have failed once, but I will definitely make a comeback with the next chance I get.'
刑事：「犯人はまだこの街にいるはずだ。絶対に見つけ出してみせる！」
Detective: 'The culprit must still be in this town. I will find them, no matter what it takes!'
「僕と付き合ってください。必ず君を幸せにしてみせるから。」
'Please go out with me. I promise I will make you happy.'
このレシピで、世界一おいしいアップルパイを焼いてみせる！
With this recipe, I'm going to bake the world's most delicious apple pie!