Translation guide
The English word "exposition" covers several distinct ideas: a large public exhibition, a detailed explanation or commentary, and a narrative technique that provides background. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
To refer to a large-scale event where products, art, or technology are displayed to the public, like a world's fair or expo.
The standard term for a large exhibition or exposition, such as a world expo. Often abbreviated to 〜博 (〜はく) in names.
The Osaka Expo is an exposition that will be held in 2025.
A more general term for an exhibition or trade show, often used for industry-specific events. Less grand than 博覧会.
Next month, there will be an exposition of the latest technology in Tokyo.
A loanword from English, used mainly in proper names like 'Osaka Expo' or in marketing contexts. Not a general term.
Expocity is located near the Expo Commemoration Park.
To give a thorough, systematic explanation of a topic, often in academic, literary, or technical contexts.
The most common word for a detailed explanation or commentary, used in media, textbooks, and everyday contexts.
This book provides a clear exposition of quantum mechanics.
A general term for explanation. While broader than 'exposition,' it can be used when the context is less formal or academic.
A formal, written term meaning 'detailed explanation' or 'elaboration.' Used in academic or technical writing.
To refer to the part of a story, film, or play that provides background information, context, or introduction to the characters and setting.
Literally 'background explanation,' this is the most direct way to refer to narrative exposition in storytelling.
There was a long exposition at the beginning of the movie.
In context, simply 'explanation' can refer to narrative exposition, especially when discussing plot structure.
A direct loanword used in literary or film criticism circles. Not widely understood outside specialized contexts.
The script's exposition is insufficient.
博覧会 (はくらんかい) implies a large, often international or historical event (like a World Expo). 展示会 (てんじかい) is more common for regular trade shows or industry exhibitions. For a local art exhibition, use 展覧会 (てんらんかい) or simply 展 (てん).
博覧会 only means a physical exhibition event. If you want to say 'an exposition of a theory,' use 解説 (かいせつ) or 説明 (せつめい). Using 博覧会 in that context would be completely wrong.
彼の理論の説明はとても明快だった。
His exposition of the theory was very clear.
論文では方法論の詳述が求められる。
The paper requires a detailed exposition of the methodology.
この小説は説明が多すぎて退屈だ。
This novel has too much exposition and is boring.