Both verbs are read あらわれる, but their usual written forms highlight different kinds of appearance.
The idea
Use 現れる when a person or thing comes into view, or a problem emerges. Use 表れる when an inner state or result shows itself in a face, action or other outward form.
| Form | Example |
|---|---|
| 現れる | 虹が現れる |
| 表れる | 不安が顔に表れる |
Examples
- 空に虹が現れました。A rainbow appeared in the sky.
- ドアの後ろから猫が現れました。A cat appeared from behind the door.
- 新しい問題が現れました。A new problem emerged.
- 彼女の不安が顔に表れました。Her anxiety showed on her face.
- 練習の成果が演奏に表れました。The results of practice showed in the performance.
- 彼の性格は文章に表れます。His personality shows in his writing.
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Watch out
The boundary is not absolute: some contexts allow either spelling. Choose by what the sentence emphasizes, not by sound alone.
Try it yourself
空に虹が＿＿ました。（現れ／表れ）
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現れ
現れ: the rainbow comes into view in the sky.
不安が顔に＿＿ました。（現れ／表れ）
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表れ
表れ: anxiety becomes visible on the face.
新しい問題が＿＿ました。（現れ／表れ）
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現れ
現れ: a new problem emerges.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Japanese sentences where available. We keep your score.
空に虹が＿＿ました。（現れ／表れ）
不安が顔に＿＿ました。（現れ／表れ）
新しい問題が＿＿ました。（現れ／表れ）
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Choose the spelling for a rainbow, a feeling shown on a face and a new problem.