Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Reveal" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "reveal", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
明かす
あかす (akasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
漏らす
もらす (morasu)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "reveal" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 明かす and 漏らす.
In Japanese, 明かす (あかす (akasu)) is typically associated with "to reveal, to disclose, to spend (the night)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Has two main meanings: 1) to reveal a secret or truth, often implies that something previously hidden is now brought to light. 2) to spend the night, usually without sleeping.
On the other hand, 漏らす (もらす (morasu)) maps to "to reveal, leak (a secret)" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "reveal" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "明かす"
彼はついに自分の秘密を友人に明かした。
He finally revealed his secret to his friend.
Bilingual Context for "漏らす"
毎日、日本語を練習するために漏らす。
Every day, I reveal, leak (a secret) to practice Japanese.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼はついに自分の秘密を友人に明かした。" (Meaning: "He finally revealed his secret to his friend.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "明かす" fits here because it means "to reveal, to disclose, to spend (the night)" in the context of: "He finally revealed his secret to his friend.". "漏らす" represents "to reveal, leak (a secret)".