明かす
akasu
The Japanese verb for "reveal" is 明かす (akasu).
明かす is used to mean revealing or disclosing information, such as a secret or a truth.
Meaning: to uncover (verb)
Which one should you use?
If you wish to express the idea of revealing or announcing something to the public in a more formal manner, you can use 公表する.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past tense form of 明かす is 明かした (revealed). To express that a secret or truth is being revealed by someone or something else, use the passive form 明かされる (to be revealed).
How do you pronounce it?
akasu
Did you know?
- While 明かす means 'to reveal', the same pronunciation akasu can also mean 'to stay up all night' or 'to pass the time' until dawn.
- While 明かす is used for secrets, the word 暴く is used when revealing something scandalous or shameful, essentially meaning 'to expose'.
- To say someone's secret was 'leaked' rather than 'revealed', Japanese speakers use 漏れる, which literally means 'to leak' like water from a pipe.
Examples in context
- 詳細な情報を明かすTo reveal detailed information.
- 重要な結果を公表するTo reveal important results.
- 本当の意図を明らかにするTo reveal the true intention.
- 思いを言葉で表すTo reveal feelings through words.
- 秘密を明かす。Himitsu o akasu.I will reveal the secret.
- 犯人の正体を明かす。Hannin no shōtai o akasu.Reveal the identity of the criminal.
- 本当の理由を明かすつもりだ。Hontō no riyū o akasu tsumori da.I intend to reveal the real reason.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a mystery novel.
- 大翔 Hiroto犯人の名前を明かすのかな？Hannin no namae o akasu no kana?Will they reveal the criminal's name?
- 陽葵 Himariきっと最後に明かすはずだよ。Kitto saigo ni akasu hazu da yo.They will surely reveal it at the end.
- 大翔 Hiroto早く真相を明かしてほしいな。Hayaku shinsō o akashite hoshii na.I want them to reveal the truth quickly.
- 陽葵 Himari楽しみだね。Tanoshimi da ne.It's exciting, isn't it?
