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.
Her expression looked very happy.
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.
His expression suddenly changed.
Literally 'face', but often used in phrases to mean expression. Very common in casual speech.
Don't make a weird expression.
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.
That's a commonly used 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.
A combination of symbols and numbers 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.
She had a puzzled expression.
That's a strange expression.
I don't understand the meaning of this expression.
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.
Free expression is important.
Fashion is a form of self-expression.
Simplify the following expression.