Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to 'one's face' involves more than just the physical face. It often relates to social concepts like honor, reputation, and public image. The most common word is 顔 (かお), but other terms are used depending on context.
Referring to the front part of the head, including eyes, nose, mouth, etc.
The standard word for 'face' in Japanese. Used for both literal and figurative meanings.
He washed his face.
Her face was full of smiles.
A more literary or old-fashioned term for 'face'. Can also mean 'surface' or 'mask'. Not commonly used in everyday speech.
Expressing the concept of 'face' as in 'saving face' or 'losing face', related to dignity and social perception.
Refers to one's honor, dignity, or reputation. Often used in phrases like '面目を保つ' (to save face) or '面目を失う' (to lose face).
He apologized to save face.
Similar to 面目, but often emphasizes outward appearance or social standing. Used in formal contexts.
In certain set phrases, 顔 can also mean 'honor' or 'reputation', such as '顔が立つ' (to save face) or '顔をつぶす' (to make someone lose face).
A loanword from Chinese, commonly used in casual speech to mean 'face' in the social sense. Often used in phrases like 'メンツを保つ' (to save face).
Referring to the look on someone's face, often indicating emotion.
Expressing the act of appearing somewhere or showing one's face in a social context.
When talking about 'saving face' or 'losing face', avoid directly translating 'face' as 顔 in all cases. While 顔 can be used in some set phrases, 面目 or メンツ are often more appropriate for the abstract concept of social standing.
Many Japanese idioms use 顔 to express social concepts. For example, 顔が広い (かおがひろい) means 'to have a wide circle of acquaintances', and 顔に泥を塗る (かおにどろをぬる) means 'to bring shame upon someone'.
A face like a Noh mask
I lost face because of the failure.
体面を気にする
To be concerned about appearances
I said that to save his face.
If you do that, I'll lose face.
We went to an expensive restaurant to save face.
She made a surprised face.
彼は不満そうな顔つきだった。
He had a dissatisfied look on his face.
He showed his face after a long time.