Translation guide
The English word 'face' covers the front of the head, facial expressions, reputation, confronting something, and more. Japanese uses different words for each meaning, and some uses require cultural awareness.
Referring to the physical face, the front part of the head.
The standard word for the physical face. Used in everyday conversation.
毎朝、顔を洗います。
I wash my face every morning.
彼女は顔が小さいですね。
She has a small face, doesn't she?
A rough or slang term for face, often used in set phrases or by men. Can sound vulgar.
Avoid in polite conversation; use 顔 instead.
あいつの面を見たくない。
I don't want to see that guy's face.
Describing the look on someone's face, their expression.
Used with adjectives or verbs to describe expressions. Often combined with する.
変な顔をしないでください。
Don't make a weird face.
彼は悲しそうな顔をしていた。
He had a sad look on his face.
A more formal word for facial expression. Common in written descriptions.
The concept of 'saving face' or 'losing face', related to dignity and social reputation.
Refers to one's honor or reputation. Used in phrases like 面目を保つ (to save face) or 面目を失う (to lose face).
彼は面目を保つために必死だった。
He was desperate to save face.
そんなことをしたら面目が立たない。
If I do that, I'll lose face.
Similar to 面目, but often used in social contexts. 体面を保つ (to keep up appearances).
In phrases like 顔が立つ (to save face) or 顔をつぶす (to make someone lose face). More colloquial than 面目.
彼の顔を立ててあげてください。
Please let him save face.
From Chinese '面子', used in casual speech for face/reputation. Often in メンツを保つ or メンツが丸つぶれ.
メンツが丸つぶれだよ。
I've completely lost face.
To face a problem, difficulty, or person.
To be confronted with (a problem, crisis). Often used with に.
我々は大きな問題に直面している。
We are facing a big problem.
To face and fight against something, implying courage. Used with に.
困難に立ち向かう勇気が必要だ。
You need courage to face difficulties.
To face each other; to confront (a person or issue) directly. Often implies a serious conversation.
The front surface of an object, like a building, clock, or card.
The surface or face of an object. Used for the front of a building, the face of a clock, etc.
時計の表面が割れた。
The face of the clock cracked.
建物の表面には大きな看板がある。
There is a big sign on the face of the building.
The front side of something, like a coin, card, or paper. Opposite of 裏 (back).
A flat surface of a solid object in geometry.
Used in mathematics for a face of a polyhedron. Also used in compounds like 平面 (plane).
立方体には6つの面がある。
A cube has six faces.
A style of printed letters.
Refers to a typeface or font style.
この書体は読みやすい。
This typeface is easy to read.
Loanword for font, commonly used in computing.
フォントを変更してください。
Please change the font.
While 顔 is the direct translation for the physical face, many English expressions using 'face' do not translate directly. For example, 'face a problem' is not 顔 but 直面する. Always consider the intended meaning.
面目 (めんぼく) is the most standard for honor/reputation. 体面 (たいめん) emphasizes outward appearances. メンツ is casual and often used among friends or in informal situations. 顔 (かお) in phrases like 顔を立てる is very common in daily speech.
彼女の表情はとても穏やかだった。
Her expression was very calm.
彼は体面を気にしすぎる。
He cares too much about appearances.
I want to face him and talk properly.
カードの表に名前を書いてください。
Write your name on the face of the card.