Translation and Meaning of: 現われる - arawareru
If you have ever watched an anime or read a manga, you have probably encountered the word 現われる (あらわれる) at some point. It appears — literally — in suspense scenes, dramatic revelations, and even in everyday contexts when something or someone becomes visible. But what’s behind this versatile verb? In this article, you will discover the fascinating etymology of 現われる, how its pictogram reveals its meaning, and tips to never forget how to use it. And if you use Anki to study, get ready: we will include practical sentences to boost your flashcards.
Etymology and Pictogram: What Does the Kanji Hide?
The kanji 現 (gen / arawa) is key to understanding 現われる. It is composed of two radicals: 王 (king, jewel) and 見 (see). Together, they suggest the idea of "something valuable becoming visible." It’s no wonder this verb carries nuances of revelation, like when a treasure emerges from the shadows or a mysterious character appears in the plot. Interestingly, the same kanji appears in words like 現実 (genjitsu) — "reality" — reinforcing the connection between "becoming visible" and "existing concretely."
In ancient writing, the bottom stroke of 現 resembled an object emerging from the earth, a poetic image for "to materialize." This connection to the tangible explains why 現われる is used for both physical phenomena ("The sun appeared") and abstract ideas ("A problem arose"). And be careful: don't confuse it with 表れる (あらわれる), which has the same sound but focuses on "to manifest" (emotions, symptoms).
Everyday Lies: From Drama to Daily Life
In police series, 現われる is featured in sentences like 犯人が現れた！ (The criminal appeared!). But it also goes to the supermarket: 特売品が現れたら教えて (Let me know if the sale items appear). What’s the difference with 出てくる (detekuru)? While this is neutral ("to come out from a place"), 現われる carries a sense of surprise, as if something was hidden and is now right before your eyes.
A valuable tip: in news, this verb often describes natural phenomena. When a comet crosses the sky, newspapers use 彗星が現れた. Even ghosts come into play — in Japan, stories of 幽霊が現れる場所 (places where ghosts appear) are classics of summer, when Obon honors ancestors. Want to memorize it? Associate it with the scare you get when someone 現われる suddenly behind you!
Curiosities and Tips for Learning
Did you know that 現われる has a poetic "cousin"? In literature, 顕われる (also read as arawareru) is used for noble things that reveal themselves, such as virtues or deities. This rare variation appears in classics like the Man'yōshū, the anthology of poems from the 8th century. In the modern world, the verb gained a pun in games: アラワレル (arawareru) has become slang among players for when a boss finally appears on the screen.
To fix in your mind, create sentences with unexpected situations: A cat suddenly appeared in the garden (猫が突然庭に現れた) or His name appeared in the news (彼の名前がニュースに現れた). Record the kanji 現 imagining a jewel (王) that you see (見) shine — just like everything that appears (現われる) unexpectedly. And when you hear あらわれる in an anime, mentally shout: "It appeared!" — your brain will thank you for the comic reinforcement.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- 表れる (arawareru) - Appear, manifest
- 出現する (shutsugen suru) - Surge, appear (in a specific context, such as a phenomenon)
- 現れる (arauareru) - To appear, also used similarly to 表れる.
- 姿を現す (sugata o arawasu) - Reveal the form, appear physically
- 現出する (genshutsu suru) - Manifest, become visible, usually in a more philosophical or artistic context.
Romaji: arawareru
Kana: あらわれる
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3, jlpt-n1
Translation / Meaning: appear; come into view; become visible; exit; embody; materialize; express oneself.
Meaning in English: to appear;to come in sight;to become visible;to come out;to embody;to materialize;to express oneself
Definition: To show. Appear.
Quick Access
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How to Write in Japanese - (現われる) arawareru
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (現われる) arawareru:
Example Sentences - (現われる) arawareru
See below some example sentences:
Kanojo wa totsuzen arawareta
She appeared suddenly.
She suddenly appeared.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - "Ela" significa "彼女" (kanojo) em japonês.
- は (wa) - topic particle in Japanese, used to indicate the subject of the sentence
- 突然 (totsuzen) - adverb meaning "suddenly" or "suddenly"
- 現われた (arawata) - verb meaning "appeared" or "arose"