Translation guide
The lower part of the face below the mouth. In Japanese, the most common word is あご, but there are also more specific or expressive terms.
あご
chin
Referring to the chin as a facial feature.
The standard, everyday word for 'chin'. Used in all contexts.
彼はあごに手を当てて考えていた。
He was thinking with his hand on his chin.
あごが痛い。
My chin hurts.
The kanji form of あご. Used in writing, but the kana form is more common in everyday text.
顎関節症に悩んでいる。
I suffer from TMJ disorder.
A more formal or anatomical term for the chin, specifically the tip or prominence. Rare in daily conversation.
おとがいの形が整っている。
The shape of the chin is well-defined.
Describing a double chin or sagging skin under the chin.
Literally 'double chin'. The common term for a double chin.
最近、二重あごが気になる。
Lately, I'm bothered by my double chin.
Using 'chin' in idiomatic or descriptive phrases.
An idiom meaning 'to have one's jaw drop' from surprise or amazement. Not a direct translation of 'chin', but related.
その値段を聞いてあごが落ちそうになった。
My jaw almost dropped when I heard the price.
An idiom meaning 'to boss someone around' or 'to treat someone haughtily', literally 'to use with one's chin'.
彼はいつも部下をあごで使っている。
He always bosses his subordinates around.
While 顎 is the kanji for chin, it is not commonly used in everyday writing. Stick to あご unless you are writing a formal document or want to show off your kanji knowledge.