드러내다 (deu-reo-nae-da, deureonaeda) · 밝히다 (bak-hi-da, bakhida)
드러내다 focuses on making something hidden visible or apparent, while 밝히다 emphasizes clarifying facts or truths explicitly.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
To reveal something hidden, to express emotions visibly
When to use
expressing emotions, revealing secrets, state change, actions becoming visible
The nuance
Use 드러내다 when something hidden or internal (like emotions or states) becomes visible or apparent externally; often used for physical or sensory revelation.
To clarify facts or truths, to officially disclose information
When to use
fact confirmation, truth disclosure, information announcement, official statement
The nuance
Use 밝히다 when clarifying hidden information or truths clearly, especially in formal or objective contexts.
그는 자신의 감정을 숨기지 않고 드러냈다.
geu-neun ja-sin-ui gam-jeong-eul sum-gi-ji an-go deu-reo-naess-da., geu neun ja sin ui gam jeong eul sum gi ji an go deu reo naess da.
Expressing emotions outwardly fits the use of 드러내다.
그는 자신의 감정을 밝히지 않았다.
geu-neun ja-sin-ui gam-jeong-eul bak-hi-ji an-ass-da., geu neun ja sin ui gam jeong eul bak hi ji an ass da.
Using 밝히다 to mean not clarifying or revealing emotions is correct.
그녀는 범인의 신원을 드러냈다.
geu-nyeo-neun beom-in-ui sin-won-eul deu-reo-naess-da., geu nyeo neun beom in ui sin won eul deu reo naess da.
Revealing a hidden identity visibly suits 드러내다.
그녀는 범인의 신원을 밝혔다.
geu-nyeo-neun beom-in-ui sin-won-eul bak-hyeoss-da., geu nyeo neun beom in ui sin won eul bak hyeoss da.
Officially disclosing identity information fits 밝히다.
그는 문제의 원인을 드러냈다.
geu-neun mun-je-ui won-in-eul deu-reo-naess-da., geu neun mun je ui won in eul deu reo naess da.
When a cause becomes apparent or visible, 드러내다 is appropriate.
그는 문제의 원인을 밝히지 않았다.
geu-neun mun-je-ui won-in-eul bak-hi-ji an-ass-da., geu neun mun je ui won in eul bak hi ji an ass da.
Not clarifying the cause fits 밝히다.
그는 사실을 드러냈다.
geu-neun sa-sil-eul deu-reo-naess-da., geu neun sa sil eul deu reo naess da.
For clarifying facts formally, 밝히다 is the correct choice.
그는 감정을 밝히다.
geu-neun gam-jeong-eul bak-hi-da., geu neun gam jeong eul bak hi da.
밝히다 is unnatural for expressing emotions; 드러내다 is correct.
Which word is appropriate when expressing emotions outwardly?
Which word is used when officially announcing facts?
Which word fits when making a hidden secret visible?
