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道Nihongo Path

Word 1866 of 2252

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表す

あらわす

to express, to show, to represent (in words, signs or symbols)

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Examples

  1. この記号は何を表しますか。

    このきごうはなにをあらわしますか。

    What does this symbol represent?

  2. 彼女の笑顔が感謝の気持ちを表した。

    かのじょのえがおがかんしゃのきもちをあらわした。

    Her smile expressed her thanks.

  3. この気持ちは言葉では表せません。

    このきもちはことばではあらわせません。

    I can't put this feeling into words.

Common patterns

気持ちを表す
to express one's feelings
言葉で表す
to put into words
感謝の意を表す
to express one's gratitude

Memory tip

Same reading, different kanji: 表す is expressing something in words or symbols, 現す is a thing physically appearing (姿を現す). 表 is the "surface / chart" kanji, so think of bringing the meaning to the surface.

Kanji in this word

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What does 表す mean?