Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to 'one's face' involves more than just the physical face. It often relates to social concepts like honor, reputation, and public image. The most common word is 顔 (かお), but other terms are used depending on context.
Referring to the front part of the head, including eyes, nose, mouth, etc.
The standard word for 'face' in Japanese. Used for both literal and figurative meanings.
He washed his face.
彼女の顔は笑顔でいっぱいだった。
Her face was full of smiles.
A more literary or old-fashioned term for 'face'. Can also mean 'surface' or 'mask'. Not commonly used in everyday speech.
能面のような面
A face like a Noh mask
Expressing the concept of 'face' as in 'saving face' or 'losing face', related to dignity and social perception.
Refers to one's honor, dignity, or reputation. Often 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謝罪した。
He apologized to save face.
失敗して面目を失った。
I lost face because of the failure.
Similar to 面目, but often emphasizes outward appearance or social standing. Used in formal contexts.
In certain set phrases, 顔 can also mean 'honor' or 'reputation', such as '顔が立つ' (to save face) or '顔をつぶす' (to make someone lose face).
彼の顔を立てるためにそう言った。
I said that to save his face.
A loanword from Chinese, commonly used in casual speech to mean 'face' in the social sense. Often used in phrases like 'メンツを保つ' (to save face).
Referring to the look on someone's face, often indicating emotion.
Means 'facial expression'. Used when describing emotions shown on the face.
彼の表情はとても悲しそうだった。
His face looked very sad.
彼女は驚いた表情をした。
She made a surprised face.
Refers to the look or expression on a person's face, often implying a certain character or mood.
Expressing the act of appearing somewhere or showing one's face in a social context.
Literally 'to put out one's face', meaning to show up or make an appearance, often briefly.
パーティーにちょっと顔を出した。
I showed my face at the party for a bit.
Literally 'to show one's face', similar to 顔を出す but can imply a more intentional appearance.
When talking about 'saving face' or 'losing face', avoid directly translating 'face' as 顔 in all cases. While 顔 can be used in some set phrases, 面目 or メンツ are often more appropriate for the abstract concept of social standing.
Many Japanese idioms use 顔 to express social concepts. For example, 顔が広い (かおがひろい) means 'to have a wide circle of acquaintances', and 顔に泥を塗る (かおにどろをぬる) means 'to bring shame upon someone'.
体面を気にする
To be concerned about appearances
そんなことをしたら私の顔がつぶれる。
If you do that, I'll lose face.
We went to an expensive restaurant to save face.
彼は不満そうな顔つきだった。
He had a dissatisfied look on his face.
He showed his face after a long time.