表する|ひょうするhyousuru[3]nakadaka (mid-high)

Common
Definitions
  1. suru verb (irregular), transitive verbto express; to show
    An immense monument was erected in honor of the eminent philosopher.
Conjugation
Dictionary form表する(ひょうする)
Polite (masu)表します(ひょうします)
Negative (nai)表しない(ひょうしない)
polite (masen)表しません(ひょうしません)
classical zu / nu表せず・表せぬ(ひょうせず・ひょうせぬ)
Past (ta)表した(ひょうした)
polite (mashita)表しました(ひょうしました)
Past negative (nakatta)表しなかった(ひょうしなかった)
polite (masen deshita)表しませんでした(ひょうしませんでした)
Te form表して(ひょうして)
Potential表できる(ひょうできる)
Passive表される(ひょうされる)
Causative表させる(ひょうさせる)
Causative passive表させられる(ひょうさせられる)
Conditional (ba)表すれば(ひょうすれば)
tara表したら(ひょうしたら)
Volitional表しよう(ひょうしよう)
polite (mashou)表しましょう(ひょうしましょう)
Imperative表しろ(ひょうしろ)

Common forms generated by rule; see the senses for honorific or irregular usage.

Synonyms & antonyms
  • Synonym表すあらわすNeutralThe most common word for expressing or showing, also for representing; 「表する」 is more formal, mostly for respect or gratitude.
  • Synonym示すしめすNeutralCovers showing, indicating and pointing out, with very wide use; 「表する」 is mostly for formally expressing respect, opinions or positions.
  • Synonym表現ひょうげんNeutralA noun for expressing inner thoughts and feelings through language or art; focuses on the manner of expression.
  • Synonym表明ひょうめいNeutralPublicly declaring an attitude or resolve, as in 「辞意を表明する」; stresses open declaration.
  • Synonym表出ひょうしゅつWrittenWritten: the outward expression of feelings; a psychology and academic term.
  • Synonym表示ひょうじNeutralTo indicate or display objectively, as in 「価格表示」; stresses objective marking rather than expressing feelings.
  • Synonym呈するていするWrittenWritten: to present or assume an appearance, as 「活況を呈する」; also used to formally convey sentiments like 「謝意を呈する」.
  • Synonym呈すていすWrittenSame meaning as 「呈する」—to present or assume an appearance—but used less often.
  • Related物語るものがたるNeutralTo tell or narrate; also used when a fact makes a situation clear, as 「事実が物語る」; stresses proving something.
  • Related発揮はっきNeutralTo bring out ability, power or effect and put it to work, as 「実力を発揮する」 or 「効果を発揮する」.
  • Related描き出すえがきだすNeutralTo depict or draw out, also figuratively to sketch a vision; stresses portrayal.
  • Related見せるみせるNeutralTo show something to someone; the most colloquial of the group, with no formal nuance.
  • Related書き表すかきあらわすNeutralTo express something by writing it out; stresses the written form.
  • Related顕示けんじWrittenWritten: to show clearly, as in 「自己顕示欲」; the word itself does not necessarily imply showing off.
  • Related供覧きょうらんFormalTo put something on view for the public; an official-document term, extremely formal.
  • Antonym隠すかくすNeutralAntonym: to hide or conceal; the opposite of expressing something outwardly as 「表する」 does.
  • Antonym秘めるひめるNeutralAntonym: to keep something hidden in one's heart, as 「思いを秘める」; the opposite of expressing it outward.

Use 「表する」 to formally express respect or gratitude, as in 「敬意を表する」; for general expression use 「表す」 or 「示す」, and for public declarations of attitude or resolve use 「表明」. Others cover specific modes: writing (「書き表す」), depiction (「描き出す」), narration and proof (「物語る」), bringing out ability (「発揮」), objective display (「表示」), plain showing (「見せる」). Written or formal choices: 「表出」, 「呈する」/「呈す」, 「顕示」, 「供覧」. Antonyms 「隠す」 and 「秘める」 mean keeping things hidden.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese definitions
  1. 態度たいどや言葉ことばに表あらわす。
Kanji in this word
English equivalents

Say it right, write it right

Core lookup works fully offline, with cloud pronunciation and one-tap save & review. Free, no sign-up.

Free downloadWindowsFree downloadmacOSDownload on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
MobileiOS / Android

Android

QR code for the Google Play pageGet it on Google Play

Scan it with your Android phone to install, or search for “Tomoshi” on Google Play.

iOS

QR code for the App Store pageDownload on the App Store

Scan it with your iPhone camera to install, or search for “Tomoshi” in the App Store.

Install the browser extensionLook words up on any web page · Chrome / Edge / Safari

Screenshot of a Tomoshi lookup resultScreenshot of Tomoshi lookup results on a phone

Windows macOS Chrome / Edge / Safari extension iOS / Android