Translation guide
A large international exhibition, often called a World's Fair or Expo. In Japanese, the most common term is 万博 (ばんぱく), short for 万国博覧会. The full formal name is 国際博覧会.
Referring to a world expo in general, or the concept of such an event.
The most common, everyday abbreviation for 'world expo'. Used in conversation and media.
2025年の大阪万博に行く予定です。
I plan to go to the 2025 Osaka World Expo.
万博のパビリオンはとても人気があります。
The expo pavilions are very popular.
The formal, official term. Used in official documents, news reports, and formal contexts.
国際博覧会は5年に一度開催されます。
The International Exposition is held once every five years.
The full, historical term from which 万博 is derived. Less common today, but still understood.
1970年の大阪万国博覧会は大成功でした。
The 1970 Osaka World Exposition was a great success.
Talking about a particular world expo, such as Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.
Attach the location name directly before 万博. This is the standard way to refer to a specific expo.
大阪万博の準備が進んでいます。
Preparations for the Osaka Expo are underway.
上海万博には多くの人が訪れました。
Many people visited the Shanghai Expo.
Include the year for clarity, especially when multiple expos have been held in the same location.
2025年大阪万博のテーマは「いのち輝く未来社会のデザイン」です。
The theme of Expo 2025 Osaka is 'Designing Future Society for Our Lives'.
In Japanese, the abbreviated form 万博 is far more common than the full 国際博覧会 or 万国博覧会 in everyday speech and writing. Use 万博 unless you need a very formal tone.