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.
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.
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.
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.
Joy was expressed on her face.
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.
To say that a quantity, formula, or relationship is represented in a specific way.
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).
Nervousness is expressed in your voice.
Kindness was expressed (seeped through) in his words.
'Arigatou' is a word that expresses gratitude.