Usage of 見せる
The verb 見せる (みせる) means "to show" or "to display" something to someone. It is a transitive verb, so it requires a direct object — the thing being shown.
Common contexts
You often use 見せる when you want someone to look at something you have, like a photo, a drawing, or an item. It is frequently used in everyday conversation, such as asking to see a picture or showing a new possession to friends.
Collocations and patterns
- 見せてください: a polite request meaning "please show me."
- ～を見せる: the basic pattern to indicate showing something.
- 人に～を見せる: showing something to a person.
Register and nuance
見せる is neutral and common in casual and polite speech. It is not formal but perfectly acceptable in most daily situations.
Common learner tip
Don't confuse 見せる (to show) with 見る (to see/watch). 見せる always involves actively presenting something to someone else, while 見る is about the subject looking at something.