Translation guide
The English phrase "be exposed" covers several distinct meanings. This guide breaks them down into practical situations: being physically uncovered, being subjected to something harmful, being revealed or made public, and gaining experience. Japanese uses different verbs and expressions for each.
Something is not covered, shielded, or protected from the elements or view.
Used for something physically exposed, like skin, a body part, or an object. Often implies it should be covered.
肌が露出していると日焼けしやすい。
If your skin is exposed, you can get sunburned easily.
Emphasizes being bare or uncovered, often with a nuance of vulnerability or lack of protection.
電線がむき出しになっていて危険だ。
The electrical wires are exposed and dangerous.
Means being exposed to natural elements like wind, rain, or sun. Often used for locations or objects.
この場所は強い風にさらされている。
This place is exposed to strong winds.
Someone or something experiences danger, risk, criticism, or a negative influence.
The most common verb for being exposed to danger, risk, criticism, or harsh conditions. Passive form of さらす.
彼は危険にさらされた。
He was exposed to danger.
その政策は厳しい批判にさらされている。
The policy is being exposed to harsh criticism.
Literally 'receive damage/harm'. Used when exposed to something that causes actual harm, like radiation or toxic substances.
彼は放射線の被害を受けた。
He was exposed to radiation.
Means 'to come into contact with'. Used for exposure to influences, ideas, or substances, often in a neutral or positive sense, but can be negative.
Something hidden, secret, or shameful becomes known.
Passive of 暴露する (to expose/reveal). Used for scandals, secrets, or hidden truths being brought to light.
彼の不正が暴露された。
His misconduct was exposed.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'to come to light'. Used for hidden facts or crimes becoming publicly known.
隠蔽されていた事実が明るみに出た。
The concealed facts were exposed.
Casual verb meaning 'to be found out' or 'to be exposed'. Used for lies, cheating, or secrets.
Someone is introduced to new ideas, cultures, or experiences, often in a positive or neutral way.
Used for being exposed to culture, art, nature, or new ideas. Often implies a broadening of horizons.
留学中に異文化に触れることができた。
I was able to be exposed to different cultures while studying abroad.
Means 'to accumulate experience'. Used when exposure leads to practical knowledge or skill development.
彼は様々な分野で経験を積んだ。
He was exposed to various fields and gained experience.
露出する (ろしゅつする) is mainly for physical exposure of objects or body parts. Using it for 'exposed to danger' or 'exposed to new ideas' sounds unnatural. Use さらされる or 触れる instead.
さらされる implies involuntary exposure to something negative (danger, criticism, elements). 触れる can be positive or neutral (culture, art, ideas) and often implies a beneficial encounter.
兵士たちは敵の砲火にさらされた。
The soldiers were exposed to enemy fire.
長時間肌を日光にさらさないでください。
Don't leave your skin exposed to the sun for too long.
そのスキャンダルはメディアによって暴露された。
The scandal was exposed by the media.
Don't let children be exposed to harmful content.
My lie was exposed.