The Meaning of arawasu [表す] In Japanese

表す
あらわす
Romaji: arawasu N4

What does 表す mean?

Translation and Meaning

to express, to represent, to show

Definition

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.

Type

verb (動詞, 五段-活用)

Stroke Order

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

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).

Composition

  • 表: surface, face, outward manifestation; す: verb suffix turning 表す into a verb; together they mean to present outwardly or convey meaning

Usage

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.
💡 Tips
Think of 表 as a face on a surface; to 表す is to show that face to others, i.e., to express or reveal what is inside or meant.

Variations

  • 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

Example Phrases

  • この絵は作者の思いを表す。
    Kono e wa sakusha no omoi o arawasu.
    This picture expresses the author’s feelings.
    Lista:
    • この (kono) – this
    • 絵は (e wa) – the picture
    • 作者の (sakusha no) – the author’s
    • 思いを (omoi o) – thoughts
    • 表す (arawasu) – to express
    Verbo 「表す」 significa ‘to express/represent’ e funciona com o objeto marcado por を; neste exemplo, 「思いを表す」 = ‘to express thoughts/feelings’. O tópico 「この絵は」 usa は.
表す