How to say "expose" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 晒すさらすgodan verb, transitive verbCovers the broad sense of leaving something exposed — to the sun, to public view, or to danger. Typical when something is deliberately or carelessly subjected to harsh conditions, as in exposing oneself to criticism or sunlight.
- godan verb, transitive verbUsed only for exposing a secret — disclosing or revealing something someone wanted hidden. It is colloquial, so it fits casual talk about letting the cat out of the bag rather than formal disclosure.
- 当てるあてるichidan verb, transitive verbIts sense of 'expose' is physical, chiefly exposing something to light or heat, as in exposing the body to the sun. For most figurative senses of 'expose' this is not the word you want.
- 明かすあかすgodan verb, transitive verbMeans to reveal or divulge what was kept hidden, and is glossed 'expose' in that sense. It suits making secrets, plans, or one's identity known, and is less colloquial than ばらす.
Use 「晒す」 for exposing things to sun, public view, or danger; 「ばらす」 and 「明かす」 for exposing secrets, with 「ばらす」 more colloquial; 「当てる」 mainly means physical exposure to light or heat.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- 晒すさらすto expose (to the sun, public, danger, etc.)
- ばらすto expose (a secret)
- はだけるto open (e.g. one's robe)
- さらけ出すさらけだすto expose
- 暴くあばくto disclose
- すっぱ抜くすっぱぬくto expose (a secret, scandal, etc.)
- 触れさせるふれさせるto expose (someone to something)
- ほじくり返すほじくりかえすto dig up
- あらわにするto lay bare
- 白日の下にさらすはくじつのもとにさらすto bring to light
- 暴き立てるあばきたてるto dig up (a secret, scandal, etc.)
- 当てるあてるto expose
- 明かすあかすto reveal
- 光を当てるひかりをあてるto bring to light
See also
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