If you’re reading this, it’s a strong indication that you’re serious about studying Japanese. In which case, let us demonstrate why this article is worth your time. Whether you want to tell someone where the nearest ramen shop is, or to show non-believers why you're the reigning karoke champ—you'll need 示す (しめす) shimesu — to (take out and) show; to demonstrate; to tell.
Today, let’s dive into 示す. We’ll uncover its meaning, break down its kanji, craft mnemonics to boost recognition, explore practice sentences for reinforcement, and clarify how it differs from similar words.
The meaning of shimesu 示す
示す (しめす) means "to show" "to indicate" or "to demonstrate" and "to tell". It’s a common word in Japanese, essential vocabulary for the JLPT N3 and can appear in contexts ranging from indicating directions to showing emotions.
赤信号は、「止まれ」を示す。
The red traffic light indicates stop
彼女は音楽にはほとんど興味を示さなかった。
She showed little interest in music.
Breaking down 示す
示
show, indicate, point out, express, display
示 itself is also a Japanese radical (No. 113), that has the meanings 'altar', 'festival', 'religious service' from its Chinese origins. It is a pictogram visualising an altar—the top horizontal line represents the sacrifice 'shown' above. Though the Japanese kanji bears no meaning to altar anymore, hopefully this fun fact of showing; displaying an offering serves as a visual mneumonic and aids recognition and retention when you encounter this kanji and 示す in the wild.
別の例を示しなさい。
Show me another example.
Example sentences
彼はその本に興味を示した。
He showed an interest in the book.
彼女はその地図で郵便局の道を示した。
She indicated on the map how to get to the post office.
彼は科学には全然興味を示さない
He doesn't show any interest in science.
一例を示しましょう。
Let me give you an example.
Difference between 示す and 指し示す
「指し示す」 isn't a JLPT vocabulary item, however, as you can see, it begins with 指す (another JLPT N3 vocabulary item) meaning 'to point' and ends with 示す again meaning 'to show'. It's a more specific and formal variation of 示す which involves pointing during the act of showing, as such, its usage isn't super common in every day conversation. Also, in my opinion—it's tricky to say. Try and say it quickly—「さ・し・し・め・す」. Just me?
私は教会を指し示した。
I pointed out the church.
Difference between 示す and 見せる
While both words may have the meaning 'show' in a dictionary, their contexts differ. 見せる is 'to show' as in to present or display, typically something physical.
切符を見せてください。
Show me your ticket
示す, on the other hand, means 'to show' or 'to demonstrate' in a more explanatory sense. It can also be used for feelings and emotions that are not visible but are expressed through actions.
彼女は音楽にはほとんど興味を示さなかった。
She showed little interest in music.
Extra
The kanji「示」」is also used in another common JLPT N3 word: