示す
Japanese
JLPT N3 Vocabulary
Japanese
★★★★ 4/5
neutral
しめすshimesu
Reading
しめす
Romaji
shimesu
Kanji breakdown
示 (ji/shi/shime) — to show, to indicate
Pronunciation
/ɕi.me.sɯ/
Meaning
To show; to indicate; to demonstrate. Used for presenting evidence, data, or directions.
A Group 1 (godan) verb conjugated with the す row. Widely used in academic, scientific, and business contexts to present findings or point something out. Different from 見せる (to physically show something to someone) in that 示す emphasizes indicating or demonstrating meaning or direction.
Examples
- データが効果があることを示している。 The data indicates that it is effective.
- 地図で道を示してくれた。 He showed me the way on a map.
- 彼は反対の態度を示した。 He showed an attitude of opposition.
Usage Guide
Context: academic, business, science
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
The kanji 示 originally depicted an altar or display stand, suggesting something being shown or revealed to others, especially in a spiritual context.
Cultural Context
Era: Classical
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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