Translation guide
The English phrase "face value" has two main meanings: the literal monetary value printed on a bill, coin, or stamp, and the figurative meaning of accepting something as it appears without deeper analysis. This guide covers both, with natural Japanese equivalents for each.
The value shown on the surface of currency, coins, or stamps.
The standard term for the face value of financial instruments like bonds, stocks, or currency. Often used in economic contexts.
The face value of this bond is 1000 dollars.
A more formal compound meaning "face value price." Used in legal or financial documents.
The face value and market price may differ.
Specifically refers to the face value printed on a ticket or certificate. Less common than 額面.
The face value of this gift certificate is 500 yen.
To accept or take something at its apparent worth, without questioning or analyzing further.
take something at face value · accept something at face value
The most direct equivalent, literally "to receive as per face value." Used when accepting statements or appearances without skepticism.
You shouldn't take his words at face value.
Literally "to receive as is." A more casual way to say "take at face value," implying no interpretation or doubt.
Specifically for taking words literally, without reading between the lines.
Means "to take seriously" or "to believe unquestioningly." Often used when someone naively believes something that isn't true.
Do not use 額面 (face value) alone to mean "take at face value." The phrase requires a verb like 受け取る (to receive/accept) and often a particle like 通りに (as per). Simply saying 額面で受け取る is possible but less natural than 額面通りに受け取る.
額面通りに is more formal and directly mirrors the English idiom. そのまま is more versatile and can be used in casual conversation for accepting things as they are, not just words.
Don't take everything he says at face value.
The coin's face value is higher than its metal value.
Please don't take her joke at face value.
He was being sarcastic, but she took it at face value.
彼の作り話を真に受けてしまった。
I ended up taking his made-up story at face value.