To express (in words); to put thoughts or feelings into words.
彼の気持ちは一言では言い表せない。
His feelings cannot be expressed in a single word.
その詩は悲しみを美しく言い表している。
That poem beautifully expresses sadness.
正確な言葉で自分の考えを言い表すのは難しい。
It's difficult to put your ideas into precise words.
To confess or disclose (something); to voice a secret or true feelings.
ついに彼は犯行を言い表した。
At last he confessed to the crime.
彼女は彼に対する本当の気持ちを言い表す決心をした。
She decided to confess her true feelings to him.