Translation and Meaning of: 明かす - akasu

If you have ever wondered how to say "to reveal a secret" or "to spend time" in Japanese, the word 明かす (あかす) is one of the most versatile for these situations. In this article, we will explore its etymology, everyday use, and even tips for memorizing this verb that appears frequently in dialogues and texts. Besides the basic meaning, such as "to spend the night" or "to disclose information," there are cultural nuances and expressions that make 明かす a gem of the Japanese vocabulary. And if you use Anki or another spaced repetition method, don't worry: we included practical examples to boost your studies.

The kanji 明 (which means "light" or "clear") already conveys part of the essence of this word: bringing something to light, whether it’s a hidden fact or simply letting time flow. But why do the Japanese use 明かす so much in the sense of both revealing and spending? The answer lies in the history of the language and how the meanings intertwine. Let's unravel all of this below, from the pictogram to everyday situations where this verb arises naturally.

Etymology and Pictogram: The Light Behind the Word

The kanji 明 is a visually poetic combination: the sun radical (日) next to the moon symbol (月). Together, they represent brightness — and it is exactly this idea that permeates the verb 明かす. Originally, in ancient China, this character already held the meaning of "to illuminate" or "to make visible." When the Japanese adapted the term, they kept the essence but added layers of practical meaning.

In the formation of the verb, the suffix かす (kasu) adds the notion of "making something happen." Therefore, 明かす can mean both "to make the night turn into day" (pass the time) and "to make a secret clear" (reveal). It's as if the word carries a lantern: it both illuminates hidden facts and helps to cross periods in the dark. Interestingly, in regional dialects such as that of Kansai, this duality of meanings is even more pronounced in colloquial usage.

Lies in Daily Life: From Revelations to Sleepless Nights

Imagine the scene: friends in an izakaya (Japanese bar) and someone blurts out "秘密を明かす" (himitsu wo akasu) — "to reveal a secret". This is the most dramatic use of the verb, often heard in dramas or read in manga. But it also appears in mundane contexts, like "夜を明かす" (yoru wo akasu), which means "to stay awake all night". Students pulling all-nighters before exams or parents taking care of newborns are well acquainted with this expression.

What is interesting is that 明かす almost always implies an intentional action. Unlike "spending time" accidentally, here there is awareness—whether deciding to tell an inconvenient truth or choosing to stay up all night working. In Japanese companies, by the way, there is even a derived term (徹夜で明かす) to describe those overnight overtime sessions that become routine in some industries. If you want to sound natural in Japanese, pay attention to these contextual details.

Tips for Memorization and Curiosities

A foolproof technique to remember 明かす is to associate it with the kanji 明 shining over something hidden. Visualize a scene: you lift a dark tarp (the secret) and the daylight (明) floods the space. Another trick is to create absurd sentences — the more unusual, the better they stick in memory. How about: "The vampire decided to 明かす the night by playing video games instead of sleeping"? Here, we play with both meanings at the same time.

In pop culture, this verb has standout moments. In the film "Confessions" (2010), for example, the protagonist uses 明かす when revealing a revenge plan — the scene is so impactful that it became a meme among fans of Japanese suspense. And if you are the type who learns with music, the band RADWIMPS has a lyric that says "夜を明かして語ろう" ("Let's spend the night talking"), showing how the term embodies moments of intimacy. How about adding this track to your study playlist?

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 明かす

明かす - dictionary form
明かします - polite form
明かさない - negative form
明かそう - Volitive form
明かせる - potential form
明かした - past form

Synonyms and similar words

暴く (abaku) - Reveal, discover something hidden or secret.
言い表す (iiarasu) - Express, describe, or say something clearly.
打ち明ける (uchiakeru) - Confess, to open up about something personal or intimate.
明示する (meiji suru) - Indicate clearly and explicitly.
明らかにする (akiraka ni suru) - Make something evident or clear.