Translation guide
How to express that something hidden, unknown, or not obvious becomes apparent or shows itself in Japanese. The best choice depends on whether it is a physical appearance, a truth, a feeling, or a quality.
To say that a secret, true character, or reality comes to light.
The most common and neutral way to say something becomes clear or evident. Used for facts, truths, and realities.
The truth revealed itself.
His true character revealed itself.
Used when something negative or shameful is exposed, such as a scandal, weakness, or incompetence. Often in news or formal contexts.
The organization's weaknesses revealed themselves.
For problems, conflicts, or issues that were latent and then come to the surface. Common in business and social contexts.
The long-standing conflict revealed itself.
To describe something physically manifesting or becoming visible, often suddenly or dramatically.
Literally 'show one's figure'. Used for people, animals, or mythical beings appearing. Can be dramatic or neutral.
Under the moonlight, the ghost revealed itself.
The culprit finally revealed himself.
A more formal or technical term for something appearing, often used for natural phenomena, monsters, or in games.
A legendary creature revealed itself.
General verb for appearing. Can be used for people, things, or abstract concepts, but less dramatic than 姿を現す.
To say that an inner state or characteristic shows itself indirectly.
Used when emotions, personality, or effects become visible in actions, facial expressions, or results. Same reading as 現れる but different kanji nuance.
His nervousness revealed itself on his face.
For a quality or feeling that seeps out naturally, like kindness or confidence. Often used positively.
For something that reveals itself intermittently or partially, like a hidden motive or a fleeting emotion.
To express that a god, spirit, or cosmic truth manifests itself.
A formal, religious term for a deity or divine principle manifesting in the world. Used in theology or fantasy.
God revealed Himself before the people.
For a truth revealed by a higher power, often through a sign or vision. More about the message than the physical appearance.
The truth that heaven revealed.
Both read あらわれる. 現れる is for physical appearance (people, objects, phenomena). 表れる is for abstract things becoming visible through expression or results (feelings, effects, personality).
English 'reveal itself' often sounds unnatural if translated word-for-word into Japanese. Instead, choose a verb that matches the subject: 明らかになる for facts, 姿を現す for beings, 表れる for emotions, etc.
The mountain revealed itself from between the clouds.
The results of the effort revealed themselves in the numbers.
Her kindness revealed itself in every word she spoke.
His true feelings revealed themselves from time to time.