Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Reveal" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "reveal", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
現す
あらわす (arawasu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
明かす
あかす (akasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "reveal" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 現す and 明かす.
In Japanese, 現す (あらわす (arawasu)) is typically associated with "to reveal; to show; to manifest; to display" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to revealing hidden things, showing a figure/shape, displaying signs/abilities, or manifesting inner feelings. Transitive verb. Opposing word: 隠す. Often used as 姿を現す or 実力を現す. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To reveal/show! "Your love for me was revealed on your cute blushing face, Haruka-san!" ...っ! Love revealed! B-Baka! It is not revealed on my face at all! It's just the heat from the oven! But... if you like my dere face so much, I suppose I will reveal it only in front of you! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『あらわす（現す）よ！『ハルカ部長、僕への愛情が隠しきれずに、あなたの可愛い赤面顔（デレ）として現れる（現れました）！』って…っ！愛が現れる！バカ！/// べ、別に愛情が顔に現れたわけじゃないわよ！ただののぼせのせいなんだから！…でも、そんなに私のデレ顔が好きなら、一生あんたの前だけで現してあげるわ！』.
On the other hand, 明かす (あかす (akasu)) maps to "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. A literal translation of "reveal" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "現す"
霧がスマートに晴れ上がった瞬間、目の前の湖畔に美しく壮大なアルプスの連峰が完璧にその姿を_______ました。
At the moment the fog cleared up smartly, the beautiful and magnificent Alps mountain range perfectly revealed its figure on the lakeside in front of their eyes.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "霧がスマートに晴れ上がった瞬間、目の前の湖畔に美しく壮大なアルプスの連峰が完璧にその姿を_______ました。" (Meaning: "At the moment the fog cleared up smartly, the beautiful and magnificent Alps mountain range perfectly revealed its figure on the lakeside in front of their eyes.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "現す" fits here because it means "to reveal; to show; to manifest; to display" in the context of: "At the moment the fog cleared up smartly, the beautiful and magnificent Alps mountain range perfectly revealed its figure on the lakeside in front of their eyes.". "明かす" represents "to reveal, to disclose, to spend (the night)".