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.
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.
The victim's identity was revealed.
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.
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.
My lie was revealed.
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.
The moon was revealed from behind the clouds.
Literally 'to show one's form', used when a person or creature appears after being hidden or absent.
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.
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.
Details of the new product will be revealed tomorrow.
The wedding plans were revealed.
Passive of 'to make public'. Used for official disclosure of information, often by authorities or companies.
The survey results were revealed.
Passive of 'to disclose/reveal'. Often used for secrets, mysteries, or personal information being revealed, sometimes with dramatic nuance.
His true identity was finally revealed.
The speaker refers to a truth or message revealed by a god, spirit, or supernatural force.
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.
The cause became clear.
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.
The truth was finally revealed.
The new model will be revealed next week.
The fog cleared and the mountain was revealed.
彼は天啓を受けたと主張した。
He claimed that a revelation was given to him.