表す
Meaning in Englishexpress, represent, show
Animated kanji stroke order
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Word context
What it means
What does 表す mean? It means to express or represent something, making an idea, feeling, or state perceptible to others through words, signs, or outward form, thereby conveying meaning rather than merely existing.
Main meanings
- to express feelings, opinions, or information clearly
- to denote or symbolize a concept or phenomenon
- to reveal or manifest a state or fact through outward signs or data
How to use it
As a transitive verb, 表す takes a direct object marked by を and is used in formal and written contexts to convey meanings, feelings, or representations. Common collocations include 感情を表す, 意見を表す, 現象を表す, and 結果を表す; in casual speech speakers may prefer 示す or 表れる depending on nuance.
Variants and close terms
- 示す (しめす) — to show, indicate
- 表現する (ひょうげんする) — to express
- 表明する (ひょうめいする) — to declare, state
- 象徴する (しょうちょうする) — to symbolize
Composition
- 表: surface, face, outward manifestation; す: verb suffix turning 表す into a verb; together they mean to present outwardly or convey meaning
Etymology
表 (omote, hyō) has the sense of surface or front. In compounds the on'yomi hyō is common, whereas the verb 表す uses the kun'yomi arawasu; this pattern shows the typical kun'yomi root used for the verb, with sino-Japanese readings appearing in related nouns such as 表現 (hyougen) and 表示 (hyouji).
Word class
verb (動詞, 五段-活用)