How to say "express" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 高速こうそくna-adjective, no-adjectiveIts 'express' is the travel one — fast buses, roads, and other transport, in the sense of 'high-speed'; it is never a verb for conveying thoughts or feelings.
- 述べるのべるichidan verb, transitive verbCovers 'express' in the sense of stating or voicing something — an opinion, a view, an impression — in speech or writing; think 'state' or 'voice' rather than 'express.'
- nounThe loanword, used as a noun in names and labels of fast transport and delivery services; it names a service and does not work as a verb for conveying ideas.
- 表するひょうするsuru verb (irregular), transitive verbA formal or literary verb meaning to express or show something — gratitude, sympathy, respect — in words or conduct; mostly one to recognize in formal writing rather than use in speech.
- 言い表すいいあらわすgodan verb, transitive verbThe direct match for 'express (in words)': putting a thought or feeling into language. Typical context: saying that a feeling or an impression is hard to put into words.
For fast transport services use 高速 or 「エクスプレス」; for verbal expression choose 「述べる」 to state opinions, 「言い表す」 to put feelings into words, and formal 「表する」 mainly in writing.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- 高速こうそくhigh-speed
- 述べるのべるto state
- エクスプレスexpress
- 表するひょうするto express
- 言い表すいいあらわすto express (in words)
- 速達そくたつexpress
- 描き出すえがきだすto delineate
- 申し上げるもうしあげるto say
- 至急しきゅうurgent
- 口に出すくちにだすto express (orally)
- 表すひょうすto express
- 書き表すかきあらわすto write out
- 表すあらわすto express
- 吐くはくto give (an opinion)
- 急行きゅうこうexpress (train)
- ぶつけるto vent (e.g. one's anger)
- 漏らすもらすto give utterance to (e.g. one's dissatisfaction)
- うたうto declare
- 写すうつすto describe
- たたえるto express (an emotion)
- ぶっつけるto vent (e.g. one's anger)
- 含むふくむto express (emotion, etc.)
See also
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