Translation guide
The English verb 'uncover' has two main meanings: to physically remove a cover or to reveal something hidden. Japanese uses different verbs for each, and the choice depends on what is being uncovered and the context.
To bring to light something that was concealed, such as a secret, scandal, or truth.
Commonly used for exposing secrets, scandals, or hidden truths. Often implies a deliberate act of revealing something negative.
記者が政治家の汚職を暴いた。
The journalist uncovered the politician's corruption.
A more general and neutral way to say 'make clear' or 'reveal'. Can be used for facts, intentions, or identities.
調査で原因が明らかになった。
The investigation uncovered the cause.
Often used for exposing scandals or secrets, similar to 'exposé'. Can sound more sensational or dramatic.
内部告発が企業の不正を暴露した。
The whistleblowing uncovered the company's misconduct.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to come to light' or 'be uncovered'. Used when a hidden fact is discovered, often without specifying who uncovered it.
不正が発覚した。
The fraud was uncovered.
To take off something that is covering an object, such as a lid, cloth, or wrapping.
General verb for 'remove'. Use with the specific cover word (lid, cloth, etc.) and the particle を.
鍋の蓋を取ってください。
Please uncover the pot.
Means 'to detach' or 'remove'. Suitable for covers that are attached, like a lens cap or a lid that screws on.
Used for peeling off or uncovering something stuck on, like a sticker, bandage, or seal.
To remove an item of clothing or accessory that covers part of the body, especially the head.
General verb for taking off clothes or accessories worn on the body. Use with the item (hat, scarf, etc.).
室内では帽子を脱いでください。
Please uncover your head indoors.
Also used for removing accessories like glasses or a hat, similar to 'take off'.
サングラスを取って。
Uncover your eyes (take off your sunglasses).
To dig up or reveal something that was buried or hidden underground.
Specifically used for excavating archaeological artifacts or buried items.
遺跡から古代の壺が発掘された。
An ancient pot was uncovered at the ruins.
Literally 'dig out'. Can be used for unearthing objects, sometimes with a nuance of discovering something valuable.
庭から古銭を掘り出した。
We uncovered old coins in the garden.
English 'uncover' can often be translated as 'remove the X'. Japanese prefers specifying the object (lid, cloth, hat) with a verb like 取る or 脱ぐ rather than a single generic verb for 'uncover'.
暴く (abaku) is a native Japanese verb often used for exposing hidden truths or scandals in a direct, sometimes aggressive manner. 暴露する (bakuro suru) is a Sino-Japanese compound that sounds more formal and is common in news or official contexts. 暴く can imply digging up something deliberately, while 暴露する can also mean 'disclosure' or 'revelation' without the same nuance of effort.
調査で大きな不祥事が明らかになった。
The investigation uncovered a major scandal.
Uses 明らかになる (intransitive) to mean 'came to light'.
彼女が皿の蓋を取ると、香りが部屋に広がった。
She uncovered the dish and the aroma filled the room.
Literal 'uncover the dish' becomes 'remove the lid of the dish'.
Uncover the lens.
Uncover the bandage and show me the wound.