How to say "confess" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 口を割るくちをわるexpression, godan verbFor confessing in the sense of finally speaking out — disclosing or telling something one has kept quiet about. A less common idiom for breaking one's silence.
- さらけ出すさらけだすgodan verb, transitive verbConfess in the sense of laying something completely bare — revealing one's true feelings, heart, or secrets without hiding anything. Suits wholehearted, emotional disclosure; a less common word.
- 言い表すいいあらわすgodan verb, transitive verbThis word is really about expressing a thought or feeling in words rather than confessing — think of saying something is hard to put into words. For 'confess' it is seldom the word you want.
- godan verb, transitive verbSlang for confessing or divulging something — blurting out a secret or an admission. Use only in casual conversation; out of place in polite or formal contexts.
Choose 「さらけ出す」 for laying feelings or secrets bare, 「口を割る」 for finally speaking out about something concealed, 「ゲロる」 for casual slang only, and remember 「言い表す」 essentially means 'express in words,' making it a marginal choice for confessing.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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