Meaning and Usage
The verb "漏れる" (もれる) primarily means "to leak" or "to escape" and is used when something unintentionally comes out or escapes from a container, place, or situation. It can refer to physical leaks like water or gas, as well as abstract leaks such as secrets or emotions.
Common Contexts
- Physical leaks: water, gas, air, light, sound.
- Information leaks: secrets, news, confidential data.
- Emotional leaks: feelings or thoughts unintentionally shown.
Collocations and Patterns
- 水が漏れる (みずがもれる): water leaks
- 秘密が漏れる (ひみつがもれる): a secret is leaked
- 表情から感情が漏れる (ひょうじょうからかんじょうがもれる): emotions leak from one's expression
Register and Nuance
"漏れる" is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It often implies an unintended or accidental escape or disclosure. When talking about information leaks, it can carry a negative nuance.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "漏れる" with "洩れる" which is an older form but less commonly used. Also, "漏れる" is intransitive; the transitive counterpart is "漏らす" (もらす), meaning "to let leak" or "to reveal" intentionally or unintentionally.