Translation guide
How to express revealing one's true identity, feelings, or secrets unintentionally in Japanese.
The person accidentally shows who they really are or discloses a secret through behavior or speech.
Literally 'to reveal one's true identity'. Used when someone's disguise or pretense is unintentionally exposed.
彼はうっかりして正体を現してしまった。
He carelessly gave himself away.
The person accidentally shows their emotions, thoughts, or plans through facial expression, tone, or action.
Literally 'to appear on one's face'. Used when emotions are visible despite trying to hide them.
嬉しい気持ちが顔に出てしまった。
My happiness gave me away (showed on my face).
The English phrase 'give oneself away' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. The appropriate expression depends on what is being revealed (identity, secret, feelings). Avoid literal translations like 自分自身をあげる, which is nonsensical.
A casual verb meaning 'to be found out' or 'to be exposed'. Often used when a secret or lie is discovered.
嘘をついたらすぐにばれた。
When I lied, I gave myself away immediately.
Literally 'to show one's tail'. An idiomatic expression meaning to unintentionally reveal one's true nature or guilt.
犯人はつい尻尾を出してしまった。
The culprit accidentally gave himself away.
Literally 'to show a flaw/tear'. Means to make a slip that reveals a hidden truth or incompetence.
彼は話しているうちにぼろを出した。
He gave himself away while talking.
Means 'to be given away by one's tone of voice'. Used when vocal cues reveal hidden feelings.
緊張しているのが声の調子でばれた。
My nervousness gave me away through my tone of voice.
Literally 'one's true feelings leak out'. Used when someone accidentally says what they really think.
つい本音が漏れてしまった。
I accidentally gave away my true feelings.