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.
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.
I don't want to see that guy's face.
Describing the look on someone's face, their expression.
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).
He was desperate to save 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.
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.
To face a problem, difficulty, or person.
To be confronted with (a problem, crisis). Often used with に.
We are facing a big problem.
To face and fight against something, implying courage. Used with に.
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.
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).
A cube has six faces.
A style of printed letters.
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.
If I do that, I'll lose face.
彼は体面を気にしすぎる。
He cares too much about appearances.
Please let him save face.
I've completely lost face.
You need courage to face difficulties.
彼とちゃんと向き合って話したい。
I want to face him and talk properly.
There is a big sign on the face of the building.
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.
Please change the font.