表明

• Reading: ひょうめい
• Romaji: hyoumei
• Kanji breakdown: 表 (hyou) — surface, express, show; 明 (mei) — bright, clear
• Pronunciation: /çoː.meː/

Meaning

Declaration; public expression of a position, intention, or opinion.

A noun and suru verb describing the formal act of making one's stance, intention, or opinion publicly known. Common collocations include 意向を表明する (to express one's intention), 立場を表明する (to state one's position), and 支持を表明する (to express support). More formal than 発表 (announcement) and implies a deliberate, often political or diplomatic, declaration.

Examples

1. 社長が辞任の意向を表明した。 The company president declared his intention to resign.
2. 各国が気候変動対策への支持を表明している。 Countries around the world are expressing their support for climate change measures.
3. 会議で自分の立場を表明する勇気が必要だ。 It takes courage to state your position at a meeting.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, diplomacy, business, public statements

Tone: authoritative

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 表 (hyou, surface/express/show) + 明 (mei, bright/clear). Literally 'express clearly,' describing the act of making something known in an open, unambiguous way.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated