1.
to show, to reveal
To make something visible or known.
姿を現す。
To appear, to show oneself.
本性を現す。
To reveal one's true nature.
彼はやっと姿を現した。
He finally showed up.
怒ると正体を現す人がいる。
Some people reveal their true selves when they get angry.
長い間隠れていた犯人が、ついに人前に姿を現した。
The criminal who had been hiding for a long time finally showed himself in public.
2.
to express
To convey feelings or ideas.
喜びを表す。
To express joy.
言葉で表す。
To express in words.
感謝の気持ちを表す。
To express gratitude.
敬意を態度で表すことが大切だ。
It's important to express respect through your attitude.
この気持ちは言葉では表しきれないほど大きい。
This feeling is too great to fully express in words.
あらわす has multiple kanji, each with distinct meanings but the same reading.
KANJI VARIANTS:
- 現す: to reveal, to make visible (姿を現す - to appear)
- 表す: to express, represent (感情を表す - express feelings)
- 著す: to write/publish a book (本を著す)
TRANSITIVITY:
- Type: 他動詞 (transitive)
- Pair: 現れる (intransitive, to appear)
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 本性を現す: to reveal one's true nature
- 正体を現す: to reveal one's identity
- 言葉で表す: to express in words