noun
The physical face, including its shape, features, and appearance.
彼女は顔が小さい。
She has a small face.
赤ちゃんの顔はとても柔らかい。
A baby's face is very soft.
noun
The expression or look on one's face, often reflecting emotion or reaction.
彼は驚いた顔をした。
He made a surprised face.
その知らせを聞いて、彼女は悲しそうな顔になった。
Upon hearing the news, she looked sad.
noun
Social standing, reputation, or the need to avoid shame; often used in phrases like 顔を立てる (save face) or 顔が立たない (lose face).
彼の顔を立てるために、その提案に賛成した。
I agreed to the proposal to save his face.
こんな失敗をしては、顔が立たない。
I can't save face after such a mistake.
noun
The power or connections one has, often in a social or professional context; 顔が利く means to have influence.
彼は地元で顔が利く。
He has a lot of pull in the local area.
社長の顔で特別に許可をもらった。
We got special permission thanks to the president's influence.
noun
representative; face of; trademark
A person or thing that symbolizes or represents a group, brand, or concept; often used for a well-known figure.
彼は会社の顔として、テレビによく出ている。
He often appears on TV as the face of the company.
このキャラクターはそのブランドの顔だ。
This character is the face of the brand.
noun
Refers to the people present or involved, especially in a meeting or event; often used in set phrases like 顔が揃う (everyone is present).
See also: 顔が揃う
会議に必要な顔が揃った。
All the necessary members are present for the meeting.
パーティーには有名な顔がたくさん来ていた。
Many famous faces came to the party.
noun
Makeup applied to the face; often used in compounds like 顔を作る (to put on makeup) or 顔が濃い (heavy makeup).
彼女は毎朝、顔を作るのに時間がかかる。
She takes a long time to put on her makeup every morning.
今日は顔が薄いね。
You're wearing light makeup today.
Outdated kanji form; not used in modern Japanese.
面 is a more blunt or vulgar word for 'face', often used in insults or rough speech, while 顔 is neutral.
表情 specifically means 'facial expression', while 顔 can refer to the face itself or expression depending on context.
面目 is a formal term for 'honor' or 'dignity', similar to 顔 in sense 3, but more literary and often used in set phrases like 面目を保つ.
The kanji 顔 is composed of 彦 (a phonetic component suggesting 'man') and 頁 (head), originally meaning 'face' or 'appearance'. The reading かお is native Japanese, with uncertain deeper origin.