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言い表す (いいあらわす) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word JLPT N1 Freq. Frequency Top 100,000 Conjugation Meanings 1
godan verb (-su), transitive verb
express in words ; put into words ; describe verbally
Transitive verb for making thoughts, feelings, qualities, or impressions explicit through language. Very common in the negative potential pattern 言い表せない, 'cannot put into words.'
分ぶん
の
考かんが
え
を
はっきり
言い
い
表あらわ
し
た
。
She clearly expressed her thoughts.
2
godan verb (-su), transitive verb
confess ; admit openly in words
A limited or less usual extension meaning to state something previously hidden, such as a fault or guilt. In ordinary modern Japanese, 告白する or 白状する is usually more direct for 'confess.'
Written forms 言い い 表あらわ す Usage 65%
Standard modern spelling; this is the most straightforward form for learners.
言い い 表あら わす Usage 22%
Attested okurigana variant of 言い表す; understandable and usable, though 言い表す is the simpler modern spelling.
いいあらわす Usage 11%
言いい 表あらわ す Usage 2%
Uncommon attested spelling without the kana い; mainly useful as a search or recognition form.
言い い 現あらわ す
Less common kanji spelling using 現す; mainly useful for recognition.
Kanji 現 present, existing, actual Similar words 表ひょう 現げん する A broader and often more formal verb for expressing or representing something, not limited to words; 言い表す specifically emphasizes verbal expression.
述の べる Means to state or set forth information, opinions, or reasons; 言い表す focuses more on putting an inner feeling, idea, or quality into words.
告こく 白はく する The normal modern verb for confessing a secret, guilt, or romantic feelings; the 'confess' sense of 言い表す is much less common.
Etymology Compound of 言い, the continuative form of 言う 'to say,' and 表す 'to express, reveal, make apparent.' The spelling is semantically transparent, but this is a practical component explanation rather than a detailed historical derivation.
