Translation guide
A large public exhibition showcasing achievements of various nations, often held over several months. In Japanese, the most common term is 国際博覧会, often abbreviated to 万博. The choice depends on formality and context.
Referring to a large-scale international exhibition in general, such as a World Expo.
The formal, full term for an international exposition. Used in official contexts, news, and formal writing.
2025年の国際博覧会は大阪で開催されます。
The 2025 international exposition will be held in Osaka.
The common abbreviation for 国際博覧会. Widely used in everyday conversation and media. This is the most natural choice in casual and semi-formal contexts.
万博に行ったことある？
Have you ever been to an international exposition?
A less common abbreviation, sometimes used in compound words or headlines. Not as widely recognized as 万博.
国際博覧会協会は国際博の準備を進めている。
The international exposition association is proceeding with preparations for the international expo.
Referring to a particular international exposition by its official name or location.
Attach the location name directly to 万博 to refer to a specific expo. This is the most common way to mention a particular event.
大阪万博は1970年に開催された。
The Osaka International Exposition was held in 1970.
上海万博はとても混雑していた。
The Shanghai Expo was very crowded.
Formal pattern used in official documents or news reports. Replace [Year] with the year.
2025年国際博覧会のテーマは「いのち輝く未来社会のデザイン」です。
The theme of the 2025 International Exposition is 'Designing Future Society for Our Lives'.
Referring to international expositions from earlier eras or those with specific themes, such as horticultural expos.
A broader term for 'exposition' or 'exhibition'. Can be used for international expos when context is clear, but often refers to domestic or smaller-scale events. Use with caution.
この博覧会には多くの国が参加した。
Many countries participated in this exposition.
Specifically refers to an international horticultural exposition (garden expo). Use only when the event is a recognized horticultural expo.
国際園芸博覧会が静岡で開かれた。
An international horticultural exposition was held in Shizuoka.
万博 is the everyday abbreviation and is perfectly acceptable in most situations. 国際博覧会 is the formal full name, used in official documents, news headlines, and formal speeches. When in doubt, 万博 is safer for conversation.
万博の歴史について話しましょう。
Let's talk about the history of international expositions.
国際博覧会条約に基づき、登録博覧会として認定された。
It was recognized as a registered exposition under the International Exhibitions Convention.
Do not translate 'international exposition' word-for-word as 国際展示会 or 国際展覧会. While these might be understood, they are not the standard terms and can sound unnatural. Stick to 万博 or 国際博覧会.