Translation guide
The English verb "expose" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: revealing hidden information, making something vulnerable, introducing someone to new experiences, and photographic exposure. Direct translation is often unnatural; choose the Japanese expression that matches your intended meaning.
To make something secret or hidden known to others, such as a scandal, crime, or truth.
Common verb for exposing a secret, scandal, or wrongdoing. Often used in journalism or investigations.
記者が政治家の汚職を暴いた。
The journalist exposed the politician's corruption.
Formal or dramatic term for exposing secrets, scandals, or hidden truths. Often used in media.
内部告発者が会社の不正を暴露した。
The whistleblower exposed the company's misconduct.
Intransitive phrase meaning 'to come to light'. Used when something becomes exposed without specifying who did it.
不正が明るみに出た。
The fraud was exposed.
To expose something to public view, often with a negative connotation (shame, ridicule). Can also mean to expose to elements.
彼はSNSで個人情報を晒された。
His personal information was exposed on social media.
To leave someone or something unprotected from something harmful, such as risk, criticism, or physical danger.
Pattern meaning 'to expose something to something'. Used for both physical and abstract dangers.
彼は身を危険に晒した。
He exposed himself to danger.
その政策は国民をリスクに晒している。
The policy is exposing citizens to risk.
Means 'to make vulnerable'. More formal and often used in technical or security contexts.
そのバグはシステムを攻撃に脆弱にした。
The bug exposed the system to attacks.
Literally 'to make defenseless'. Used when someone is left unprotected against criticism or attack.
その発言は彼を批判に無防備にした。
That remark exposed him to criticism.
To cause someone to experience something for the first time, often something beneficial or educational.
Common pattern meaning 'to expose someone to something'. Used for experiences, cultures, ideas, etc.
子供たちを異文化に触れさせることが大切だ。
It's important to expose children to different cultures.
彼は学生を最新の研究に触れさせた。
He exposed the students to the latest research.
Causative form of 'to experience'. Direct and natural for giving someone an experience.
親は子供に様々なスポーツを経験させるべきだ。
Parents should expose their children to various sports.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'to broaden someone's horizons'. Implies exposing to new knowledge or experiences.
留学は彼の見聞を広げさせた。
Studying abroad exposed him to new perspectives.
To allow light to reach photographic film or a sensor.
Technical term for photographic exposure. Used as a verb.
フィルムを光に露光する。
Expose the film to light.
Also means 'exposure' in photography, but can be ambiguous (also means 'exposure' in other contexts).
シャッタースピードで露出を調整する。
Adjust the exposure with the shutter speed.
The English verb "expose" covers many concepts that require different Japanese expressions. Using a single Japanese word for all meanings will often sound unnatural. Always consider the specific nuance: revealing secrets, making vulnerable, introducing experiences, or photographic exposure.
暴く (abaku) is a common, active verb for uncovering hidden truths, often used in journalism. 暴露する (bakuro suru) is more formal and dramatic, often implying a big revelation or scandal. 暴く is more everyday; 暴露する is heavier.
その報告書はシステムの重大な欠陥を暴いた。
The report exposed serious flaws in the system.
肌を長時間日光に晒さないでください。
Don't expose your skin to the sun for too long.
旅行は彼女を新しい考え方に触れさせた。
Traveling exposed her to new ways of thinking.