Translation guide
How to refer to someone whose face you recognize but may not know well, or to describe a face that feels familiar.
Referring to someone you know by sight but not necessarily by name or relationship.
Literally 'a face one has seen and knows'. Natural for someone you recognize.
Describing the feeling that a face is known or recognizable.
A face you are used to seeing; implies comfort or routine.
In Japanese, if you know the person's name or title, it's more natural to use that rather than a phrase like 'familiar face'. The concept is often implied by context.
There were several familiar faces in the meeting room.
Emphasizes that you remember seeing the face before.
He was a familiar face, but I couldn't remember his name.
Casual, for someone you see often around.
That person is a familiar face at this cafe.
Every morning I see familiar faces at the station.
A face that feels friendly or approachable, even if not well known.
I felt relieved when I saw her familiar face.
Used when you feel you've seen the face somewhere but can't place it.
That person looks like a familiar face.