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.
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.
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.
He carelessly gave himself away.
A casual verb meaning 'to be found out' or 'to be exposed'. Often used when a secret or lie is discovered.
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.
The culprit accidentally gave himself away.
Literally 'to show a flaw/tear'. Means to make a slip that reveals a hidden truth or incompetence.
He gave himself away while talking.
My happiness gave me away (showed on my face).
Means 'to be given away by one's tone of voice'. Used when vocal cues reveal hidden feelings.
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.
I accidentally gave away my true feelings.