表す · godan verb (-su)
| Form | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary | 表す | 表さない |
| Polite | 表します | 表しません |
| Past polite | 表しました | 表しませんでした |
| Past | 表した | 表さなかった |
| Te-form | 表して | 表さないで |
| Desire | 表したい | 表したくない |
| Potential | 表せる | 表せない |
| Passive | 表される | 表されない |
| Causative | 表させる | 表させない |
| Causative passive | 表させられる | 表させられない |
| Volitional | 表そう | |
| Polite volitional | 表しましょう | |
| Imperative | 表せ | 表すな |
| Conditional | 表せば | 表さなければ |
| Tara conditional | 表したら | 表さなかったら |
godan verb (-su), transitive verb
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.
What does this symbol represent?
It's hard to express gratitude in words.
godan verb (-su), transitive verb
Making something hidden, internal, or abstract visible or apparent. Often used for emotions, presence, or physical manifestation. 現す is the preferred kanji.
He finally revealed his true nature.
A smile appeared on her face.
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.
He made a name for himself with that invention.
This graph represents the change in sales.
I would like to express my gratitude for everyone's cooperation.
He showed his joy on his face.
She showed her dissatisfaction through her attitude.
表示する is used for displaying information visibly (on a screen, sign, or document), whereas 表す is broader and covers abstract or symbolic expression as well.
表す is the common everyday verb for expressing or showing something, while 表する is a more formal, literary variant used mainly in set phrases like 感謝の意を表する.
表す means to express or represent something outwardly, while 物語る implies that facts themselves speak to or attest to a deeper truth.
表す means to express or show something (in words, actions, or expression) in general, whereas 口に出す is limited to expressing it specifically through speech.
表す is a general verb for expressing or showing something, while 呈する is a more formal, literary verb often used for abstract qualities taking visible form.
Variant of 現す with okurigana わ; less common.
Rare kanji for making something widely known or manifesting honor; mostly in literary or formal contexts.