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表す (あらわす) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word JLPT N3 Freq. Frequency Top 5,000 Conjugation Meanings 1
godan verb (-su), transitive verb
express ; represent ; signify
Broad sense: putting thoughts, feelings, or abstract concepts into words, symbols, or other forms. Covers both 'to express' and 'to stand for'. 表す is the default kanji.
も
ち
を
言こと
葉ば
で
表あらわ
す
の
は
難むずか
しい
。
It's hard to express gratitude in words.
2
godan verb (-su), transitive verb
reveal ; show ; display
Making something hidden, internal, or abstract visible or apparent. Often used for emotions, presence, or physical manifestation. 現す is the preferred kanji.
3
godan verb (-su), transitive verb
make widely known ; manifest (honor/achievement)
Only when written 顕す
Rare, literary use with 顕す: to bring something honorable or significant to public attention, or to make a name widely known.
Written forms 表あらわ す Usage 58%
Primary kanji for expressing, representing, and signifying. High frequency in news and general use.
あらわす Usage 15%
表あら わす Usage 13%
Variant with okurigana わ; same meaning as 表す but less common in modern writing.
現あらわ す Usage 8%
Used when something hidden or internal becomes visible or manifests physically.
現あら わす Usage 5%
Variant of 現す with okurigana わ; less common.
顕あらわ す Usage <1%
Rare kanji for making something widely known or manifesting honor; mostly in literary or formal contexts.
Kanji 現 present, existing, actual Similar words 示しめ す 示す is more about pointing out, indicating, or demonstrating something concrete, while 表す focuses on expressing or representing abstract concepts.
現あらわ れる Intransitive counterpart: something appears or becomes visible by itself. 現す is transitive: someone reveals or shows something.
Etymology Derived from 現る (あらわる, 'to appear') with the transitive suffix す. The kanji 表, 現, and 顕 are used to distinguish nuances of expression, manifestation, and honorific revelation respectively.
