Translation guide
This guide covers how to express that something becomes known, is revealed, or comes to light in Japanese. It includes verbs for information spreading, being discovered, or becoming famous.
To say that news, a fact, or information becomes known to people or spreads.
The passive form of 知る (to know), meaning 'to become known' or 'to be known'. Commonly used for facts, news, or information becoming known to the public or a group.
That fact became widely known.
His secret became known (unfortunately).
Means 'to become widely known' or 'to spread (of information)'. Emphasizes that information has spread throughout a community or area.
The rumor became known throughout the town.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be conveyed' or 'to spread'. Used when information, feelings, or traditions are passed on or become known to others.
The news quickly became known nationwide.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to spread' or 'to become widespread'. Used for information, rumors, or ideas becoming known to many people.
The story became known through word of mouth.
To express that something previously hidden or unknown becomes apparent or is discovered.
Means 'to become clear' or 'to be revealed'. Often used for truths, facts, or details that were unknown or hidden.
The truth of the incident became known.
A formal verb meaning 'to be found out' or 'to become clear'. Often used in news or reports when facts are established.
The cause became known.
Means 'to be exposed' or 'to come to light', often with a negative connotation (e.g., a secret or wrongdoing).
The misconduct became known.
Casual verb meaning 'to be found out' or 'to be exposed'. Used when a secret, lie, or hidden action is discovered.
To say that someone becomes known to the public, gains recognition, or achieves fame.
The most common way to say 'to become famous'. Used for people, places, or things gaining widespread recognition.
He became known (famous) through that movie.
Also used for people becoming known, often with a qualifier like 広く (widely) or 世間に (publicly).
She is widely known as a singer.
A slightly literary expression meaning 'one's name becomes known' or 'to gain fame'.
His name became known to the public.
To express that someone comes to know or realize something personally.
Means 'to understand' or 'to become known'. Often used when something becomes clear to an individual through realization or information.
The truth became known later.
The basic verb 'to know'. In the past tense or with certain constructions, it can mean 'became known' or 'found out'.
The lie became known (was found out).
I learned of his death (it became known to me).