Translation guide
The word "countenance" refers to a person's facial expression or appearance, often conveying mood or character. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; instead, various words and phrases describe facial expressions, looks, or demeanor. This guide covers the most common and natural ways to express these ideas.
Describing someone's facial expression, especially as an indicator of their mood or feelings.
The most general and common word for 'facial expression'. It can be used in almost any context.
彼の表情はとても穏やかだった。
His countenance was very calm.
彼女の表情からは何も読み取れなかった。
I couldn't read anything from her countenance.
Refers to the look on someone's face, often implying a characteristic or habitual expression. Slightly more about the overall appearance of the face.
彼は心配そうな顔つきをしていた。
He had a worried countenance.
A more literary or formal term for the expression on one's face, often suggesting a deeper emotional state. Used in written language or formal speech.
彼は悲しげな面持ちで話し始めた。
He began to speak with a sorrowful countenance.
Referring to the overall appearance of someone's face, including its structure and beauty.
Refers to the features or shape of the face, often used to describe attractiveness or distinctiveness.
彼女は整った顔立ちをしている。
She has a fine countenance.
A formal term for facial appearance or looks. Often used in literary or descriptive contexts.
Describing a face that shows calmness, self-control, or lack of emotion.
Literally 'calm face', used when someone maintains composure.
彼は平静な顔でその知らせを聞いた。
He heard the news with a calm countenance.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'cool face', implying nonchalance or pretending nothing happened.
彼は失敗しても涼しい顔をしている。
Even after failing, he keeps a composed countenance.
The verb 'to countenance' means to permit or tolerate something, often reluctantly.
Means 'to permit' or 'to tolerate'. Formal and suitable for written contexts.
そのような行為は許容できない。
We cannot countenance such behavior.
Means 'to tacitly approve' or 'to turn a blind eye to'. Implies passive acceptance.
政府はその汚職を黙認しているように見える。
The government seems to countenance the corruption.
Similar to 許容する, meaning 'to accept' or 'to condone'. Often used in formal or legal contexts.
暴力を容認する社会は健全ではない。
A society that countenances violence is not healthy.
The English word 'countenance' is relatively formal and literary. In everyday Japanese, it's more natural to use specific words like 表情 (facial expression) or 顔 (face) with descriptive adjectives rather than a single equivalent. Using a rare word like 面持ち in casual conversation would sound unnatural.
表情 is the most general and neutral term for facial expression. 顔つき emphasizes the overall look or cast of the face, often implying a habitual or characteristic expression. 面持ち is literary and suggests a deeper, often emotional, expression; it is rarely used in spoken Japanese.
彼の明るい表情が部屋を明るくした。
His cheerful countenance brightened the room.
彼女は混乱の中でも平静な顔を保っていた。
She maintained a calm countenance despite the chaos.
彼の容貌は父親に似ている。
His countenance resembles his father's.