Translation guide
The fleshy part of the face below the eye; also used figuratively for impudence or boldness.
cheek (face)
cheek (impudence)
The fleshy side of the face below the eye.
The most common and neutral word for the cheek. Can also be read ほほ, but ほお is more standard.
Her cheeks turned red.
A baby's cheeks are soft.
Colloquial and slightly childish word for cheek, often used in casual conversation or with children.
Even more casual and childish than ほっぺた; often used by or with small children.
Bold or rude behavior, often expressed as 'having the cheek to do something'.
Noun meaning impudence, shamelessness, or nerve. Used to describe someone's audacious behavior.
I was surprised at his cheek.
Na-adjective meaning cheeky, impertinent, saucy. Often used for someone who is presumptuous or talks back.
Literally 'with what face', used to express 'how dare you have the cheek to...'. Very strong and confrontational.
Very rude; only use in extreme situations or when you want to be deliberately offensive.
One side of the buttocks.
頬 (ほお) is the standard, neutral term. ほっぺた is casual and often used with children or in informal settings. ほっぺ is even more childish and cute. Use 頬 in formal writing or when speaking politely.
I showed the doctor the swelling on my cheek.
I poked the child's cheek.
English 'cheek' meaning impudence does not translate directly to 頬. Use words like 厚かましさ, 生意気, or 図々しい instead. Saying 彼は頬がある would be nonsense.
What a cheek he has!
She kissed him on the cheek.
He had the cheek to ask for more money.
ほっぺたにキスした。
I kissed her on the cheek.
ほっぺが落ちそう！
It's so delicious my cheeks might fall off! (idiomatic expression of deliciousness)
生意気なことを言うな。
Don't be cheeky.
I-adjective meaning shameless, impudent, brazen. Describes someone who has a lot of nerve.
I know it's cheeky of me to ask, but...
How do you have the cheek to show up here?
お尻のほっぺた
butt cheek (literally 'butt cheek cheek')