Explore 示 in the words 示す and 表示. Learn the reading and meaning of each complete word in context.

The idea

Kanji may have Japanese-origin and Chinese-origin readings; learn each with its word. Compare 示す（しめす） and 表示（ひょうじ）. 示 has 5 strokes; follow their order in the linked KanjiVG diagram.

Patterns to compare
Japanese wordReadingMeaning
示すしめすto show; to indicate
表示ひょうじdisplay; indication
指示しじinstructions; directions

Examples

  • 先生せんせいが例れいを一ひとつ示しめしました。The teacher showed one example.
  • 地図ちずで道みちを示しめしました。I showed the way on a map.
  • 画面がめんに時間じかんが表示ひょうじされています。The time is displayed on the screen.
  • 入口いりぐちに料金りょうきんの表示ひょうじがあります。The price is displayed at the entrance.
  • 係員かかりいんの指示しじに従したがってください。Please follow the staff member’s instructions.
  • この矢印やじるしは進すすむ方向ほうこうを示しめします。This arrow shows which way to go.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Japanese voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Watch out

示す is a verb; 表示 can be a noun or combine with する to mean “display”. Compare the components: 示：二＋小／小。

Try it yourself

  1. Write the reading of 示す in hiragana.

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    しめす

    示す is read しめす; it means to show; to indicate. Learn the reading as part of this word.

  2. Write the reading of 表示 in hiragana.

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    ひょうじ

    表示 is read ひょうじ; it means display; indication. Learn the reading as part of this word.

  3. Fill in the missing kanji: 指＿（しじ）.

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    示

    示 completes 指示, read しじ; the word means instructions; directions.

Use it today

Cover the table, write 示 from memory, and read 示す and 表示 aloud. Then check the readings and meanings.