Translation guide
The English verb "expose" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: revealing hidden information, making something vulnerable, introducing someone to new experiences, and photographic exposure. Direct translation is often unnatural; choose the Japanese expression that matches your intended meaning.
To make something secret or hidden known to others, such as a scandal, crime, or truth.
Common verb for exposing a secret, scandal, or wrongdoing. Often used in journalism or investigations.
The journalist exposed the politician's corruption.
Formal or dramatic term for exposing secrets, scandals, or hidden truths. Often used in media.
The whistleblower exposed the company's misconduct.
Intransitive phrase meaning 'to come to light'. Used when something becomes exposed without specifying who did it.
The fraud was exposed.
To expose something to public view, often with a negative connotation (shame, ridicule). Can also mean to expose to elements.
His personal information was exposed on social media.
To leave someone or something unprotected from something harmful, such as risk, criticism, or physical danger.
Pattern meaning 'to expose something to something'. Used for both physical and abstract dangers.
He exposed himself to danger.
The policy is exposing citizens to risk.
Means 'to make vulnerable'. More formal and often used in technical or security contexts.
The bug exposed the system to attacks.
Literally 'to make defenseless'. Used when someone is left unprotected against criticism or attack.
To cause someone to experience something for the first time, often something beneficial or educational.
Common pattern meaning 'to expose someone to something'. Used for experiences, cultures, ideas, etc.
It's important to expose children to different cultures.
He exposed the students to the latest research.
Causative form of 'to experience'. Direct and natural for giving someone an experience.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'to broaden someone's horizons'. Implies exposing to new knowledge or experiences.
To allow light to reach photographic film or a sensor.
The English verb "expose" covers many concepts that require different Japanese expressions. Using a single Japanese word for all meanings will often sound unnatural. Always consider the specific nuance: revealing secrets, making vulnerable, introducing experiences, or photographic exposure.
暴く (abaku) is a common, active verb for uncovering hidden truths, often used in journalism. 暴露する (bakuro suru) is more formal and dramatic, often implying a big revelation or scandal. 暴く is more everyday; 暴露する is heavier.
The report exposed serious flaws in the system.
Don't expose your skin to the sun for too long.
Traveling exposed her to new ways of thinking.
That remark exposed him to criticism.
Parents should expose their children to various sports.
Studying abroad exposed him to new perspectives.