Translation guide
How to express that someone or something is beginning to display symptoms, characteristics, or indications of a condition or state.
He started to show signs of a cold.
A slightly more formal or clinical expression, often used in medical or observational contexts. Literally 'signs of ~ can be seen'.
The patient is showing signs of recovery.
A verb meaning 'to show signs' or 'to begin to appear', often used for symptoms or emotions. Can sound literary or formal.
Signs of fatigue have begun to show.
To indicate that someone is beginning to display emotions like anger, nervousness, or happiness.
A versatile pattern for showing signs of an emotional or mental state. '様子' means 'appearance' or 'state'.
He showed signs of anger.
Attach to the stem of an adjective to mean 'looks like ~' or 'seems about to ~'. Conveys that someone is showing signs of an emotion.
She is showing signs of crying.
'気配' means 'sign' or 'indication'. Often used for subtle or indirect signs of an emotion or intention.
To indicate that a situation, economy, or trend is beginning to show certain characteristics.
Commonly used for economic or social trends. '兆し' means 'sign' or 'omen', often implying a future development.
The economy is showing signs of recovery.
Means 'tending to ~' or 'showing a tendency to ~'. Useful for describing gradual changes or trends.
Prices are showing signs of rising.
To describe objects or materials that are beginning to look worn out or aged.
Literally 'traces of ~ are visible'. Used for physical signs like wear, damage, or age.
This desk shows signs of years of use.
Means '~ is noticeable' or 'stands out'. Can be used when signs of wear or age are becoming obvious.
Cracks in the wall are starting to show signs of wear.
症状 (しょうじょう) is specifically for medical symptoms. 兆候 (ちょうこう) is a formal term for signs or indications, often in clinical or technical contexts. 兆し (きざし) is more general and can be used for trends, emotions, or future developments.
I developed symptoms of the flu.
We can see signs of economic recovery.
Do not directly translate 'show signs of' as 'サインを見せる'. This is unnatural in Japanese. Use the patterns above depending on context.
The patient is showing signs of improvement.
She didn't show any signs of fear.
The building is showing signs of age.
He didn't show any signs of nervousness.