Translation guide
An expo is a large public exhibition, often international in scope, showcasing products, technology, or culture. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 博覧会 (hakurankai), but the loanword エキスポ (ekisupo) is also used, especially for world expos. This guide covers how to refer to expos in various contexts.
To refer to a large-scale public exhibition, such as a world's fair or trade show.
The standard Japanese word for a large exhibition or expo. It is used for both international and domestic events.
来月、大阪で博覧会が開催されます。
An expo will be held in Osaka next month.
The loanword from English, often used for world expos or events with an international brand. It is less common than 博覧会 in general contexts.
2025年の大阪エキスポに行く予定です。
I plan to go to the Osaka Expo in 2025.
Abbreviation of 万国博覧会 (bankoku hakurankai), meaning 'world expo' or 'world's fair'. Commonly used in casual conversation and media.
万博のパビリオンはとても人気があります。
The expo pavilions are very popular.
To specifically refer to a large international exposition recognized by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE).
The formal term for an international exposition or world expo. Often used in official contexts.
国際博覧会は5年に一度開催されます。
The international expo is held once every five years.
Literally 'expo of all nations', this is a traditional term for a world's fair. It is often shortened to 万博.
1970年の大阪万国博覧会は大成功でした。
The 1970 Osaka World Expo was a great success.
To refer to a specialized exhibition for a particular industry, such as technology or automobiles.
A general term for an exhibition or trade show. It is used for both large and small events, often with a commercial focus.
来週、東京でテクノロジーの展示会があります。
There is a technology expo in Tokyo next week.
Specifically a trade fair or sample market, where companies exhibit products to potential buyers. Common in business contexts.
博覧会 (hakurankai) implies a large-scale, often international event with a broad theme, while 展示会 (tenjikai) is more general and can refer to any exhibition, including smaller trade shows. For world expos, 博覧会 or 万博 is preferred.
エキスポ (ekisupo) is a loanword that is understood but less common than 博覧会. It is often used in proper names like '大阪エキスポ' or in marketing. In everyday speech, 万博 or 博覧会 is more natural.
この見本市には多くの海外バイヤーが来ます。
Many overseas buyers come to this trade expo.