Translation guide
The English verb 'uncover' has two main meanings: to physically remove a cover or to reveal something hidden. Japanese uses different verbs for each, and the choice depends on what is being uncovered and the context.
To bring to light something that was concealed, such as a secret, scandal, or truth.
Commonly used for exposing secrets, scandals, or hidden truths. Often implies a deliberate act of revealing something negative.
The journalist uncovered the politician's corruption.
A more general and neutral way to say 'make clear' or 'reveal'. Can be used for facts, intentions, or identities.
The investigation uncovered the cause.
Often used for exposing scandals or secrets, similar to 'exposé'. Can sound more sensational or dramatic.
The whistleblowing uncovered the company's misconduct.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to come to light' or 'be uncovered'. Used when a hidden fact is discovered, often without specifying who uncovered it.
The fraud was uncovered.
To take off something that is covering an object, such as a lid, cloth, or wrapping.
General verb for 'remove'. Use with the specific cover word (lid, cloth, etc.) and the particle を.
Please uncover the pot.
Means 'to detach' or 'remove'. Suitable for covers that are attached, like a lens cap or a lid that screws on.
Used for peeling off or uncovering something stuck on, like a sticker, bandage, or seal.
To remove an item of clothing or accessory that covers part of the body, especially the head.
To dig up or reveal something that was buried or hidden underground.
English 'uncover' can often be translated as 'remove the X'. Japanese prefers specifying the object (lid, cloth, hat) with a verb like 取る or 脱ぐ rather than a single generic verb for 'uncover'.
暴く (abaku) is a native Japanese verb often used for exposing hidden truths or scandals in a direct, sometimes aggressive manner. 暴露する (bakuro suru) is a Sino-Japanese compound that sounds more formal and is common in news or official contexts. 暴く can imply digging up something deliberately, while 暴露する can also mean 'disclosure' or 'revelation' without the same nuance of effort.
The investigation uncovered a major scandal.
Uses 明らかになる (intransitive) to mean 'came to light'.
She uncovered the dish and the aroma filled the room.
Literal 'uncover the dish' becomes 'remove the lid of the dish'.
Uncover the lens.
Uncover the bandage and show me the wound.
Uncover your eyes (take off your sunglasses).
庭から古銭を掘り出した。
We uncovered old coins in the garden.