Translation guide
The English verb 'express' covers a wide range of situations, from stating thoughts and feelings to showing emotions through actions or art. Japanese uses different verbs and constructions depending on what is being expressed and how. This guide organizes the most useful Japanese equivalents by meaning.
To put thoughts, feelings, or opinions into spoken or written words.
A general, slightly formal verb for stating or expressing thoughts, opinions, or facts. Common in both speech and writing.
自分の意見を述べました。
I expressed my opinion.
彼は感謝の気持ちを述べた。
He expressed his gratitude.
To express or show something abstract, like feelings, thoughts, or meaning, often through words, symbols, or actions. Very common.
言葉で気持ちを表すのは難しい。
It's difficult to express feelings in words.
この絵は平和への願いを表している。
This painting expresses a wish for peace.
To express something in words, often when it is difficult to put into words. Emphasizes the act of verbalizing.
その美しさは言葉では言い表せない。
That beauty cannot be expressed in words.
To express or declare a stance, intention, or policy formally. Often used in official or public contexts.
政府は支持を表明した。
The government expressed its support.
To show or convey feelings, personality, or ideas without words, e.g., through facial expressions, art, or behavior.
Used for expressing emotions, ideas, or qualities through non-verbal means like art, music, or facial expressions.
彼女は喜びを全身で表した。
She expressed her joy with her whole body.
この曲は悲しみを表している。
This song expresses sadness.
To express oneself or an idea creatively, often through art, music, or personal style. Common in artistic and everyday contexts.
彼は絵を通して自分を表現する。
He expresses himself through painting.
自由に感情を表現してください。
Please express your emotions freely.
For feelings or character to be expressed naturally and unintentionally, as if seeping out. Often used for subtle, genuine expressions.
To represent a quantity, formula, or value in a particular form or unit.
Used in technical contexts to express a value in terms of something else.
速度をメートル毎秒で表す。
Express the speed in meters per second.
To indicate or show a value, often used in graphs or data.
To extract liquid or substance by pressing or squeezing.
To squeeze out liquid, like juice from fruit. Also used metaphorically for effort or ideas.
レモンを絞ってジュースを作る。
Express juice from a lemon.
Often used specifically for pressing oil or juice, with a nuance of industrial or thorough extraction.
To communicate one's thoughts or personality in a way that others understand well.
A natural phrase meaning 'to convey one's thoughts well'. Focuses on successful communication.
自分の考えをうまく伝えられなかった。
I couldn't express myself well.
To express oneself, often used in contexts of personal identity or creativity.
ファッションは自己表現の一つだ。
Fashion is a form of self-expression.
Both mean 'to express', but 表す is broader and can be used for showing feelings through actions or symbols, while 表現する emphasizes creative or artistic expression. 表す is also used in technical contexts (e.g., expressing a value).
English learners often overuse 表現する for any 'express'. In many cases, 表す or 述べる is more natural. For stating opinions, 述べる is better; for showing emotions non-verbally, 表す is preferred.
彼の優しさが表情ににじみ出ていた。
His kindness was expressed in his expression.
This graph expresses the temperature change.
Express oil from soybeans.