Translation guide
How to express that something becomes known, visible, or disclosed in Japanese, depending on whether it is a secret, a truth, a hidden object, or a future event.
The speaker wants to say that a fact, secret, or truth that was previously unknown or hidden has now become known, often through investigation, disclosure, or natural unfolding.
Neutral and common expression meaning 'to become clear/evident'. Used for facts, truths, or details that come to light.
真実が明らかになった。
The truth was revealed.
The investigation revealed the cause.
Often used in news or formal contexts when facts are established or confirmed through investigation. Implies a process of verification.
被害者の身元が判明した。
The victim's identity was revealed.
事故の原因が判明するまで時間がかかった。
It took time for the cause of the accident to be revealed.
Used when a secret, plot, or wrongdoing is exposed or comes to light, often with a negative connotation.
陰謀が露見した。
The conspiracy was revealed.
Casual verb meaning 'to be found out' or 'to be exposed', used for secrets, lies, or hidden actions. Very common in everyday speech.
嘘がばれた。
My lie was revealed.
浮気がばれて大変なことになった。
My affair was revealed and it became a big mess.
The speaker wants to say that an object, person, or scene that was concealed or covered is now visible, often by removing an obstruction.
General verb for 'to appear' or 'to emerge'. Used when something comes into view or becomes visible.
雲の間から月が現れた。
The moon was revealed from behind the clouds.
霧が晴れて山が現れた。
The fog cleared and the mountain was revealed.
Literally 'to show one's form', used when a person or creature appears after being hidden or absent.
犯人がついに姿を現した。
The culprit finally revealed himself.
Means 'to be exposed' in a physical sense, often used for body parts, film, or hidden layers. Can sound technical.
岩肌が侵食によって露出した。
The rock surface was revealed by erosion.
The speaker wants to say that information about a future event, plan, or announcement is made public or shared.
Passive form of 'to announce'. Standard for official announcements, new products, or schedules being revealed.
新製品の詳細が明日発表される。
Details of the new product will be revealed tomorrow.
結婚の予定が発表された。
The wedding plans were revealed.
Passive of 'to make public'. Used for official disclosure of information, often by authorities or companies.
調査結果が公表された。
The survey results were revealed.
Passive of 'to disclose/reveal'. Often used for secrets, mysteries, or personal information being revealed, sometimes with dramatic nuance.
彼の正体がついに明かされた。
His true identity was finally revealed.
The speaker refers to a truth or message revealed by a god, spirit, or supernatural force.
Specifically means 'to be revealed' in a religious or divine sense. Used for prophecies, divine truths.
神の意志が預言者に啓示された。
God's will was revealed to the prophet.
Noun meaning 'divine revelation'. Often used in set phrases like 天啓を受ける (to receive a revelation).
彼は天啓を受けたと主張した。
He claimed that a revelation was given to him.
Both mean 'to become clear/known', but 判明する is more formal and often used in news reports or official statements when facts are confirmed. 明らかになる is broader and can be used in everyday conversation.
原因が明らかになった。
The cause became clear.
原因が判明した。
The cause was determined/revealed.
English 'be revealed' is often passive, but Japanese often uses intransitive verbs (明らかになる, 現れる) or passive forms of transitive verbs (発表される). Using a direct passive of 'reveal' (暴露される) can sound unnatural or overly dramatic unless referring to scandals or secrets.
真実がついに明らかになった。
The truth was finally revealed.
新型は来週発表されます。
The new model will be revealed next week.