Meaning and Usage
The verb 表す (あらわす) means "to express" or "to show." It is commonly used to describe the act of conveying feelings, thoughts, or information through words, facial expressions, art, or symbols.
Common Contexts
You will often see 表す used when talking about emotions shown on someone's face, artistic expression, or representing data and results. It is a versatile verb that can be used in both concrete and abstract contexts.
Collocations and Patterns
- 表す 感情 (あらわす かんじょう): to express emotions
- 表す 顔 (あらわす かお): to show on one's face
- 数字で表す (すうじであらわす): to express in numbers
These collocations help specify what is being expressed and are common in everyday conversation and writing.
Register and Politeness
表す is a neutral verb suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is often used in written language, such as reports or essays, as well as in spoken language.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 表す with 現す (also read あらわす), which means "to reveal" or "to uncover." While both share the same reading, their meanings and kanji differ. Make sure to use 表す when you mean "to express" or "to show" something abstract like feelings or data.