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B1 verb 10 min read

発表する

happyou suru
Examples 発表する in 30 Seconds
Explanation 発表する in your Level:
At the A1 level, think of 'happyō suru' as a formal way to say 'to show' or 'to tell' something to a group. You might use it when talking about a simple school activity. For example, 'I will present my drawing' (Watashi wa e o happyō shimasu). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex nuances; just remember it's for speaking in front of people or making a big statement. It's a 'suru' verb, so it follows the standard conjugation rules you've learned for 'benkyō suru' or 'kaimono suru'. Focus on the 'Present/Announce' meaning and use it with the particle 'o' for the thing you are showing.
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At the A2 level, you can start using 'happyō suru' in more varied contexts like work or hobbies. You might say 'I announced the results' (Kekka o happyō shimashita). You should also recognize the noun form 'happyō' (announcement/presentation). For instance, 'Tomorrow is the presentation' (Ashita wa happyō desu). You will start to see this word in simple news headlines or on posters for school events. It is important to distinguish it from 'hanasu' (to speak); 'happyō suru' is more organized and usually involves preparation. If you prepare a speech and then give it, that is a 'happyō'.
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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'happyō suru' in both active and passive forms. The passive 'happyō sareru' (to be announced) is very common in news and formal writing. You should understand that this verb is used for official news, scientific discoveries, and product launches. You can also use it to describe your own professional activities, like 'I presented my research at the meeting'. At this level, you should start noticing the difference between 'happyō' and 'hōkoku' (report). 'Happyō' is for a general audience, while 'hōkoku' is for a specific person like a boss. You should also be able to use collocations like 'kōshiki ni happyō suru' (to announce officially).
At the B2 level, you should master the nuances of 'happyō suru' in professional and academic settings. You will encounter it in complex sentences involving relative clauses, such as 'The plan that was announced yesterday has been canceled.' You should also understand the social implications of the word—how it represents a formal commitment or a public release. You might use it in the context of 'happyō-kai' culture to discuss Japanese education or social structures. Furthermore, you should be able to contrast it with 'kōhyō' (public disclosure) and 'hirō' (unveiling/performance), choosing the correct term based on the level of formality and the specific intent of the speaker.
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At the C1 level, you should use 'happyō suru' with precision in high-level discourse. You will understand its use in legal, political, and highly academic texts. You should be aware of how the word can be used rhetorically, for instance, in 'jūdai happyō' (major announcements) in marketing to create suspense. You should also be able to navigate the humble and honorific forms of the verb in business settings, such as 'happyō sasete itadakimasu' (I shall take the liberty of presenting). At this stage, you are expected to understand the historical and kanji-based roots of the word, recognizing how 'hatsu' and 'hyō' contribute to its modern meaning of bringing internal information to the public surface.
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At the C2 level, 'happyō suru' is a tool for nuanced expression. You can analyze its usage in classical literature or modern socio-political commentary. You understand how the act of 'happyō' functions as a mechanism for institutional transparency or as a strategic move in corporate warfare. You can discuss the philological evolution of the term and its relation to other 'hatsu-' compounds. Your mastery allows you to use the word in sophisticated ways, perhaps even ironically or in highly specific technical domains where the 'presentation' of data has strict legal definitions. You are also capable of critiquing the 'happyō culture' in Japan, using the term as a focal point for discussing public speaking and social pressure.
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Examples

発表する in 30 Seconds

  • Used for formal announcements, product launches, and academic presentations.
  • A suru-verb that takes the particle 'o' for the object being announced.
  • Commonly heard in news, business meetings, and school recitals (happyō-kai).
  • Distinguished from 'hōkoku' (reporting to a boss) by its public audience.

The Japanese verb 発表する (happyō suru) is a cornerstone of formal and semi-formal communication in Japan. At its core, it combines two kanji: 発 (hatsu), meaning to discharge, emit, or start, and 表 (hyō), meaning surface, table, or to express. Together, they create the concept of bringing something from the internal or private sphere into the public eye. This isn't just a casual 'telling' or 'saying'; it implies a structured, intentional act of making information known to an audience. Whether it is a scientist sharing research, a company launching a new smartphone, or a student presenting a project in front of the class, happyō suru is the go-to term.

Formal Announcements
Used by organizations, governments, and celebrities to release official statements. For example, a government announcing a new policy or a celebrity announcing their marriage to the press.
Academic and School Contexts
Refers to presentations. In Japanese schools, students often participate in 'happyō-kai' (presentation recitals) where they show what they have learned in music, art, or social studies.
Business and Technology
Used when a company releases financial results or unveils a new product line. It carries a sense of 'unveiling' something that was previously under development.

来週、新しいプロジェクトの結果を発表する予定です。
I plan to announce the results of the new project next week.

彼はクラスの前で自分の意見を発表した。
He presented his opinion in front of the class.

In a broader social context, the word is also used for the release of creative works. Authors happyō suru their new novels in magazines, and musicians happyō suru new compositions. It suggests a moment of transition where a private creation becomes a public asset. The weight of this word comes from its association with responsibility; once something is happyō-ed, it is 'on the record'. This is why you will see it used so frequently in news headlines regarding corporate scandals or scientific breakthroughs alike.

政府は増税の計画を公式に発表しました。
The government officially announced the plan for a tax increase.

Social Media Usage
Even on platforms like X (Twitter) or Instagram, users might use 'happyō' for big personal news, like 'I'm getting married' or 'I'm starting a new job,' often preceded by 'Gohōkoku' (a report/announcement).

Using 発表する (happyō suru) correctly requires understanding its nature as a 'suru' verb. It functions as a transitive verb, meaning it almost always takes a direct object marked by the particle を (o). The basic structure is: [Person/Organization] + が + [Information/Result] + を + 発表する. However, the nuances change depending on the level of formality and the specific grammatical construction used.

Transitive Usage (Active Voice)
This is the most common form. The subject is the one making the announcement.
Example: 教授は研究の結果を発表した。(The professor announced the research results.)
Passive Usage (Announcement being made)
In news reporting, the passive form 発表される (happyō sareru) is frequently used when the focus is on the news itself rather than the announcer.
Example: 新しいiPhoneが発表されました。(The new iPhone was announced.)
Noun Form (Happyō)
By removing 'suru', you get the noun 'Happyō' (announcement/presentation). This can be used in compound nouns like 'happyō-kai' (recital) or 'happyō-naiyō' (content of the announcement).

明日、合格者が発表されます。
The successful candidates will be announced tomorrow. (Passive)

When talking about the medium through which the announcement is made, use the particle で (de). For instance, 'to announce on the website' is uibusaito de happyō suru. If you are announcing to a specific group, use に向けて (ni mukete) or に (ni) for a more direct target. For example, 'to announce to the public' is kokumin ni happyō suru.

テレビ番組で重大なニュースが発表された。
Important news was announced on a TV program.

It is also important to note the temporal aspect. Happyō suru often implies a specific point in time when information crosses the threshold. Therefore, it is often paired with time adverbs like tsuini (finally), kyū ni (suddenly), or teishiki ni (formally). In professional settings, the preparation leading up to the announcement is just as important as the act itself, leading to phrases like happyō no junbi o suru (to prepare for the presentation).

ついに、その秘密が世界に発表された。
Finally, that secret was announced to the world.

The word 発表する (happyō suru) permeates various layers of Japanese society, from the highly structured world of corporate Japan to the innocent setting of a kindergarten classroom. Understanding these environments will help you grasp the 'weight' the word carries in different situations.

The News and Media
If you turn on NHK (Japan's national broadcaster), you will hear 'happyō' every few minutes. Reporters use it for everything from weather warnings to political election results and economic data releases. It serves as a formal marker for 'breaking news' or official reports.
The Corporate Boardroom
In business, 'happyō' is synonymous with 'presentation.' When a team lead says, 'Ashita no kaigi de happyō shite' (Present at tomorrow's meeting), they are asking for a formal delivery of data or ideas, likely involving slides (PowerPoint) and a clear structure.
The Educational System
Japan has a strong culture of 'happyō-kai' (presentation meetings/recitals). From a young age, children are taught to stand in front of their peers and 'happyō' their summer vacation memories or a science experiment. This builds a collective understanding of the word as an act of public sharing.

新しいゲームの発売日が公式サイトで発表された。
The release date of the new game was announced on the official site.

You will also encounter this word in the context of entertainment and fandom. When a manga series is getting an anime adaptation, fans eagerly wait for the 'jūdai happyō' (important announcement). This phrase is a common marketing trope used to build hype. Similarly, in the world of music, a band might 'happyō' their breakup or a new world tour. In these cases, the word bridges the gap between official corporate news and emotional personal updates.

来週の月曜日に、重大な発表があります。
There will be a major announcement next Monday.

Finally, in the academic world, 'happyō' is used for the defense of a thesis or the presentation of a paper at a conference (gakkai happyō). Here, the word takes on its most rigorous meaning, involving peer review and formal questioning. If you are a student or researcher in Japan, 'happyō' will be a word that likely causes a bit of nervous excitement, as it represents the culmination of your hard work being shared with experts.

While 発表する (happyō suru) is a versatile verb, English speakers often over-apply it to situations where other Japanese verbs are more natural. Because 'announce' and 'present' have broad meanings in English, learners tend to use happyō suru whenever they are sharing information. However, Japanese is more specific about the nature and audience of the sharing.

Mistake 1: Using it for Personal Secrets
If you are telling a secret to a friend, do not use 'happyō suru'. It sounds like you are holding a press conference in your living room. Instead, use 打ち明ける (uchiakeru) for confessing/confiding or just 話す (hanasu) for telling.
Mistake 2: Confusing it with 'Shiraseru'
If you are just notifying someone of a fact (e.g., 'I'll be late'), use 知らせる (shiraseru) or 連絡する (renraku suru). 'Happyō suru' implies a 'reveal' or a formal presentation of data. You don't 'announce' that you're going to the grocery store.
Mistake 3: Overuse in Casual Conversation
In casual settings, using 'happyō suru' can sound slightly sarcastic or overly dramatic. While this is sometimes done for comedic effect (like 'I have an announcement: I'm eating pizza'), in normal conversation, it's better to use simpler verbs.

❌ 友達に秘密を発表した。
I 'announced' a secret to my friend. (Sounds like a public speech)
✅ 友達に秘密を打ち明けた。
I confided a secret to my friend.

Another nuance to watch for is the difference between happyō and hōkoku (report). Hōkoku is used when you are giving information to a superior or someone who requested it (like a status update). Happyō is more about making information public or presenting it to a general audience. If your boss asks for an update, you hōkoku suru. If you stand in front of the whole department to show your results, you happyō suru.

❌ 上司に仕事の進捗を発表する。
I 'present' the work progress to my boss. (Too formal/grand)
✅ 上司に仕事の進捗を報告する。
I report the work progress to my boss.

Finally, ensure you don't confuse happyō with kōhyō (public disclosure). Kōhyō is even more formal than happyō and is used almost exclusively by government bodies or large corporations for official, legally required disclosures. For 95% of 'announcement' situations, happyō is the correct choice, but for legal or high-level governmental acts, kōhyō is the standard.

Japanese has a wealth of words related to sharing information. Choosing the right one depends on the level of formality, the target audience, and the nature of the information itself. Here is a breakdown of how 発表する (happyō suru) compares to its closest relatives.

報告する (Hōkoku suru) - To Report
This is used for giving information to someone who expects it, usually a superior. It is a vertical communication (down to up). Happyō is more horizontal or broad communication.
公表する (Kōhyō suru) - To Make Public / Disclose
Very formal. Used for official documents, statistics, or legal findings. It carries a sense of 'transparency' and 'duty'. Happyō is more neutral and can include creative or voluntary sharing.
伝える (Tsutaeru) - To Convey / Tell
A very general word for passing on information, feelings, or traditions. It is much less formal than happyō. You 'tsutaeru' a message to a friend, but you 'happyō' a research paper.
披露する (Hirō suru) - To Unveil / Show Off
Used when showing a skill or a new item to an audience, often with a sense of ceremony or pride. For example, 'wedding reception' is 'kekkon hirō-en'. It emphasizes the 'showing' rather than the 'information'.

彼は新しい技術を世界に発表した。
He announced the new technology to the world. (Focus on the news)

彼はステージでマジックを披露した。
He performed/showed off magic on stage. (Focus on the performance)

In some cases, 宣伝する (senden suru), meaning 'to publicize' or 'to advertise,' might be a better fit if the goal is marketing. While happyō suru is the act of announcing, senden suru is the ongoing effort to make people aware of something for commercial purposes. For example, a company happyō-s a product on Monday, and then senden-s it for the rest of the year.

For academic contexts, you might also hear 呈示する (teiji suru), which means 'to present' or 'to produce' evidence or documents. This is more technical and specific than happyō. If you are asked to 'present your ID,' you would use teiji suru, not happyō suru. Understanding these boundaries ensures that your Japanese remains precise and context-appropriate.

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Examples by Level

1

明日、クラスで発表します。

I will present in class tomorrow.

Future tense of happyō suru (polite).

2

彼はえをはっぴょうしました。

He presented his drawing.

Past tense of happyō suru (polite, hiragana focus).

3

名前を発表してください。

Please announce the names.

Request form (~te kudasai).

4

だれが発表しますか。

Who will present?

Question form with 'dare' (who).

5

私の発表は終わりです。

My presentation is over.

Using 'happyō' as a noun.

6

みんなで発表しましょう。

Let's all present together.

Volitional form (~mashō).

7

発表はとても良かったです。

The presentation was very good.

Past tense of the copula 'desu' with the noun 'happyō'.

8

ここで発表しないでください。

Please do not announce here.

Negative request (~naide kudasai).

1

テストの結果を今日発表します。

I will announce the test results today.

Direct object marked by 'o'.

2

新しいゲームが発表されました。

A new game was announced.

Passive voice (sareru).

3

彼女は上手に発表できました。

She was able to present well.

Potential form (dekiru).

4

結婚を発表するつもりです。

I plan to announce my marriage.

Verb + 'tsumori' (intention).

5

いつ発表がありますか。

When will there be an announcement?

Noun 'happyō' + 'ga aru' (there is).

6

有名な歌手が新曲を発表した。

A famous singer released a new song.

Plain past tense (shita).

7

発表の準備は大変でした。

Preparing for the presentation was hard.

Compound: 'Happyō no junbi' (preparation for presentation).

8

もっと大きな声で発表してください。

Please present in a louder voice.

Adverbial 'ookina koe de' (in a loud voice).

1

政府は新しい法律を公式に発表しました。

The government officially announced a new law.

Adverb 'kōshiki ni' (officially).

2

研究の結果を学会で発表する予定です。

I plan to present the research results at an academic conference.

Location marked by 'de'.

3

そのニュースはテレビで発表された。

That news was announced on television.

Passive voice in a past context.

4

彼は自分の意見を堂々と発表した。

He presented his opinion confidently.

Adverb 'dōdō to' (confidently/grandly).

5

発表の内容を詳しく教えてください。

Please tell me the details of the presentation content.

Compound noun: 'Happyō no naiyō'.

6

新製品の発表会に招待された。

I was invited to the new product launch event.

Noun 'Happyō-kai' (launch event/presentation meeting).

7

彼はまだ何も発表していない。

He hasn't announced anything yet.

Negative continuous form (~te inai).

8

発表が始まる前に資料を配ります。

I will hand out the materials before the presentation starts.

Temporal clause 'happyō ga hajimaru mae ni'.

1

その企業は、不祥事について謝罪と共に見解を発表した。

The company announced its views along with an apology regarding the scandal.

Formal structure: [Noun] + ni tsuite (regarding).

2

昨日発表された統計によると、人口が減少している。

According to the statistics announced yesterday, the population is decreasing.

Relative clause modifying 'tōkei' (statistics).

3

彼は長年の研究成果を論文として発表した。

He published his many years of research results as a thesis.

[Noun] + to shite (as).

4

優勝者が発表される瞬間、会場は静まり返った。

The moment the winner was announced, the venue fell completely silent.

Temporal noun 'shunkan' (moment).

5

今回の発表は、業界全体に大きな影響を与えるだろう。

This announcement will likely have a major impact on the entire industry.

Conjecture form (~darō).

6

彼女はプロジェクトのリーダーとして、方針を詳しく発表した。

As the project leader, she presented the policy in detail.

Adverb 'kuwashiku' (in detail).

7

政府の発表によれば、景気は回復傾向にあるという。

According to the government announcement, the economy is said to be in a recovery trend.

Reported speech structure 'ni yoreba... to iu'.

8

その作家は、新作のタイトルをSNSで発表した。

The author announced the title of their new work on social media.

Topic marker 'wa' + direct object 'o'.

1

当該企業は、新技術の特許取得を機に、事業戦略の再編を発表した。

Taking the acquisition of the new technology patent as an opportunity, the company announced a restructuring of its business strategy.

Formal grammar: ~o ki ni (taking as an opportunity).

2

審議会の答申を受けて、大臣が記者会見で方針を発表する運びとなった。

Following the council's report, it has been arranged for the Minister to announce the policy at a press conference.

Formal expression: ~hakobi to natta (it has been arranged).

3

その学説は、数十年前にある無名の学者が発表したものであった。

That theory was one that an unknown scholar had presented decades ago.

Explanatory 'mono de atta'.

4

事態の推移を見守った上で、適切な時期に情報を発表すべきだ。

After monitoring the development of the situation, the information should be announced at an appropriate time.

Conditional 'ue de' + obligation 'beki da'.

5

発表内容の信憑性を疑う声が、専門家の間で上がっている。

Voices doubting the credibility of the announcement content are rising among experts.

Abstract noun 'shinpyōsei' (credibility).

6

未発表の原稿が発見され、文学界に大きな衝撃が走った。

An unpublished manuscript was discovered, sending a shock through the literary world.

Prefix 'mi-' (un-) used with 'happyō'.

7

各社が一斉に新モデルを発表したことで、市場の競争が激化した。

Because each company announced new models simultaneously, market competition intensified.

Adverb 'issei ni' (all at once).

8

今回の発表は、単なる中間報告に留まらず、抜本的な改革案を含んでいる。

This announcement does not stop at a mere interim report but includes radical reform proposals.

Grammar: ~ni todomarazu (not limited to).

1

言説の公的な発表は、時として権力構造の変容を促す契機となる。

The public announcement of discourse sometimes serves as a catalyst for the transformation of power structures.

Highly formal academic vocabulary.

2

情報の非対称性を解消すべく、企業には透明性の高い発表が求められている。

In order to resolve information asymmetry, companies are required to make highly transparent announcements.

Grammar: ~subeku (in order to - literary).

3

その声明は、緻密な計算の下に発表された政治的レトリックに他ならない。

The statement is nothing other than political rhetoric announced under meticulous calculation.

Grammar: ~ni hokanaranai (nothing but).

4

恣意的なデータ操作に基づいた発表は、学術的誠実さを著しく損なうものである。

Announcements based on arbitrary data manipulation significantly undermine academic integrity.

Formal adverb 'ichijirushiku' (significantly).

5

歴史の闇に葬られていた事実が、新資料の発見によって白日の下に発表された。

Facts that had been buried in the darkness of history were announced to the world (brought to light) by the discovery of new materials.

Idiomatic expression 'hakujitsu no moto ni' (into the light of day).

6

発表のタイミングを逸すれば、いかに優れた内容であってもその価値は半減する。

If the timing of the announcement is missed, the value will be halved, no matter how excellent the content may be.

Conditional 'sureba' + concessive 'ikani... de atte mo'.

7

世論の反発を懸念し、当局は発表の文言を慎重に推敲した。

Concerns about public backlash led the authorities to carefully polish the wording of the announcement.

Noun 'mongon' (wording) and verb 'suikō' (polish/refine).

8

この事象に関する公式な発表を控えることは、憶測を呼ぶ一因となりかねない。

Refraining from an official announcement regarding this phenomenon could become a factor that invites speculation.

Grammar: ~kaneyanai (might happen - negative nuance).

Common Collocations

結果を発表する
新製品を発表する
公式に発表する
研究を学会で発表する
結婚を発表する
一斉に発表する
未発表の作品
重大な発表がある
方針を発表する
詳細を発表する

Common Phrases

発表会

— A recital or presentation meeting, common in schools.

ピアノの発表会があります。

中間発表

— An interim or mid-term presentation of progress.

今日はプロジェクトの中間発表だ。

記者発表

— A press release or press conference.

午後から記者発表を行う。

発表資料

— Presentation materials (slides, handouts).

発表資料を準備してください。

合格発表

— The announcement of exam results or successful candidates.

合格発表をネットで見る。

研究発表

— Presentation of research findings.

学会での研究発表は緊張する。

重大発表

— A major or important announcement (often used for hype).

番組の最後に重大発表がある。

発表原稿

— The script or draft for a presentation.

発表原稿を何度も読み返した。

作品発表

— The release or showing of a creative work.

個展で新しい作品発表を行う。

発表順

— The order of presentations.

発表順をくじで決める。

Idioms & Expressions

"白日の下に発表する"

— To bring a hidden fact or truth into the light of day.

真実を白日の下に発表した。

Literary
"鳴り物入りで発表する"

— To announce something with a lot of fanfare or hype.

新システムが鳴り物入りで発表された。

Metaphorical
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