曝光

bào guāng

to expose (photography)

HSK 6

漢字分解

Meaning and Usage

The word 曝光 (bàoguāng) primarily means 'to expose to light' in photography, referring to the process of allowing light to hit the film or sensor. Beyond photography, it is commonly used metaphorically to mean 'to expose' or 'to reveal' information, especially secrets or scandals.

Common Collocations

  • 曝光时间 (exposure time): the duration light hits the camera sensor or film.
  • 媒体曝光 (media exposure): when media reveals information to the public.
  • 曝光 (exposure level): the intensity of light exposure in photography.

Usage Notes

When used in photography, 曝光 is a technical term related to light and image quality. In social or news contexts, it implies revealing hidden facts, often with a negative connotation such as scandals or corruption. It is more formal and serious than casual words for 'show' or 'reveal.'

Avoid confusing 曝光 with 公开 (gōngkāi), which means 'to make public' but lacks the nuance of revealing something hidden or secret.

Tone and Register

The term is neutral to formal and is widely used in journalism, photography, and discussions about transparency or scandals.

例文

这张照片曝光时间太长,导致画面过亮。

Zhè zhāng zhàopiàn bàoguāng shíjiān tài cháng, dǎozhì huàmiàn guò liàng.

The exposure time of this photo is too long, causing the image to be

媒体曝光了这起腐败案件,引起了公众关注。

Méitǐ bàoguāng le zhè qǐ fǔbài ànjiàn, yǐnqǐ le gōngzhòng guānzhù.

The media exposed this corruption case, attracting public attention.

手机摄像头曝光度自动调整,保证画面清晰。

Shǒujī shèxiàngtóu bàoguāng dù zìdòng tiáozhěng, bǎozhèng huàmiàn qīngxī.

The phone camera's exposure automatically adjusts to ensure a clear image.