Translation guide
The English word "expression" covers several distinct concepts. This guide breaks them down into practical meanings and shows how to express each naturally in Japanese.
Referring to the look on someone's face that shows emotion.
The standard word for facial expression. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
彼女の表情はとても嬉しそうだった。
Her expression looked very happy.
彼は無表情で座っていた。
He sat there with a blank expression.
Refers to the look on someone's face, often implying a certain mood or character. Slightly more literary than 表情.
彼の顔つきが急に変わった。
His expression suddenly changed.
Literally 'face', but often used in phrases to mean expression. Very common in casual speech.
変な顔をしないで。
Don't make a weird expression.
彼は悲しそうな顔をしていた。
He had a sad expression on his face.
A fixed combination of words with a particular meaning.
The most direct translation for a linguistic expression, phrase, or way of saying something.
それはよく使われる表現です。
That's a commonly used expression.
この表現の意味がわかりません。
I don't understand the meaning of this expression.
Refers to a turn of phrase or wording. Often used when discussing style or nuance.
Specifically an idiomatic expression or set phrase. More technical.
The manner in which someone communicates thoughts or feelings, often in art or speech.
Also used for artistic or personal expression. Very versatile.
絵は感情の表現です。
Painting is an expression of emotion.
自由な表現が大切だ。
Free expression is important.
Self-expression. Often used in contexts of individuality and creativity.
A combination of symbols and numbers in math.
Mathematical expression or formula.
この数式を解いてください。
Please solve this mathematical expression.
Shorter, more general term for expression or formula in math.
表現 (ひょうげん) is for linguistic or artistic expression, while 表情 (ひょうじょう) is specifically facial expression. Using the wrong one can cause confusion.
In casual Japanese, 顔 (かお) is often used with adjectives to describe expressions, e.g., 嬉しい顔 (happy face), 怖い顔 (scary face). It's more natural than 表情 in everyday conversation.
彼女は困惑した表情をしていた。
She had a puzzled expression.
それは変な表現だね。
That's a strange expression.
もっと丁寧な言い回しにしてください。
Please use a more polite expression.
日本語の慣用句を勉強しています。
I'm studying Japanese idiomatic expressions.
ファッションは自己表現の一つだ。
Fashion is a form of self-expression.
Simplify the following expression.