Translation guide
How to say that something is expressed, shown, or conveyed in Japanese. Covers passive and spontaneous expressions, as well as natural phrasing for ideas, feelings, and meanings.
To say that an idea, feeling, or meaning is put into words or a particular form.
Passive form of 表す (to express). Used when something is expressed by someone or in some medium. Neutral and widely applicable.
この気持ちは言葉で表されない。
This feeling cannot be expressed in words.
His ideas are expressed through paintings.
Passive of 表現する (to express). Slightly more formal or abstract than 表される. Often used for artistic or linguistic expression.
その感情は音楽で表現された。
That emotion was expressed through music.
Passive of 示す (to show/indicate). Used when something is indicated or demonstrated, often in data, results, or evidence.
結果はグラフで示されている。
The results are expressed (shown) in the graph.
To say that a feeling or thought naturally comes out or is revealed, often unintentionally.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to appear' or 'to be expressed' (of emotions, personality, etc.). Often used for feelings showing on one's face or in behavior.
彼女の顔には喜びが表れていた。
Joy was expressed on her face.
緊張が声に表れている。
Nervousness is expressed in your voice.
Literally 'to ooze out'. Used for emotions or qualities that subtly show through, often despite efforts to hide them.
To say that a word, phrase, or symbol conveys a particular meaning.
Means 'to mean' or 'to signify'. Often used in definitions or explanations of what something expresses.
この記号は「禁止」を意味する。
This symbol means (expresses) 'prohibited'.
Pattern: 'expresses the meaning of ~'. Used to explain what a word or phrase conveys.
「ありがとう」は感謝の気持ちを表す言葉です。
'Arigatou' is a word that expresses gratitude.
To say that a quantity, formula, or relationship is represented in a specific way.
Same as above, but specifically for mathematical or scientific expression.
この関係は式で表される。
This relationship is expressed by a formula.
Also used in formal contexts, but 表される is more common for mathematical representation.
データはグラフで表現されている。
The data is expressed in a graph.
Both mean 'to express', but 表す (arawasu) is broader and often used for showing emotions, meanings, or symbols. 表現する (hyōgen suru) is more about artistic, linguistic, or creative expression. In passive form, 表される is more common for general 'is expressed', while 表現される sounds slightly more deliberate or formal.
English often uses passive 'is expressed', but Japanese may prefer active or intransitive constructions. For example, 'Joy was expressed on her face' is more naturally 顔に喜びが表れていた (intransitive) rather than 喜びが表された (passive).
彼の言葉には優しさがにじみ出ていた。
Kindness was expressed (seeped through) in his words.