Translation guide
A large international exhibition showcasing achievements of nations, often held in a major city.
world fair
Most common abbreviation. Use 万国博覧会 for formal contexts.
Referring to a large-scale international exhibition or expo.
Abbreviation of 万国博覧会. This is the most common and natural way to refer to a world fair in everyday conversation.
In casual conversation, 万博 (ばんぱく) is perfectly natural. For example, 'I went to the world fair' can be '万博に行ったよ'. The full term 万国博覧会 might sound stiff in everyday speech.
2025年の万博は大阪で開催されます。
The 2025 World Expo will be held in Osaka.
The full formal term. Used in official contexts or when clarity is needed.
The Japan World Exposition was held in Osaka in 1970.
Another formal term, often used in official names or by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE).
International expositions attract many people from around the world.
General term for 'exposition' or 'fair'. Can refer to any exhibition, not necessarily a world fair. Context usually clarifies.
This expo focuses on environmental technology.