Translation guide
The English word "profile" covers several distinct concepts: a side view of a face, a brief biographical description, a public persona or visibility, and the outline or contour of something. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Referring to the outline of a person's face as seen from the side.
The most common and natural word for a side view of a face. Used in everyday conversation and writing.
彼女の横顔はとても美しい。
Her profile is very beautiful.
Loanword from English, used in contexts like photography or art, but less common than 横顔 for everyday face descriptions.
この写真ではモデルのプロフィールが強調されている。
In this photo, the model's profile is emphasized.
A short summary of a person's background, career, or characteristics, often used in social media, resumes, or introductions.
The standard term for a personal profile or bio, especially online or in professional contexts.
SNSのプロフィールを更新しました。
I updated my social media profile.
彼のプロフィールには経歴が詳しく書かれている。
His profile details his career history.
Refers specifically to a brief career or personal history summary, often used in formal documents or speaker introductions.
Literally 'person introduction', used for a descriptive profile in articles or books.
雑誌に彼の人物紹介が載っていた。
A profile of him appeared in the magazine.
The degree to which someone or something attracts public attention, or the image they project.
Means 'level of attention' and is often used to talk about raising or lowering one's profile.
彼は最近注目度が上がっている。
His profile has been rising recently.
Refers to name recognition or fame. Often used for companies or public figures.
その会社は海外での知名度が低い。
The company has a low profile overseas.
Means 'presence' or 'prominence', often used when someone maintains a noticeable profile.
The adjective 控えめ means 'modest' or 'reserved', and can describe keeping a low profile.
彼は控えめな態度をとっている。
He is keeping a low profile.
The shape or outline of something, especially as seen against a background.
General word for outline, contour, or silhouette. Can be used for faces, objects, or abstract shapes.
山の輪郭が夕日に浮かび上がった。
The profile of the mountain stood out against the sunset.
Loanword for silhouette, often used in artistic or descriptive contexts.
プロフィール is a loanword used for biographical summaries or online profiles. 横顔 specifically means the side view of a face. Do not use プロフィール to describe a person's facial profile in everyday conversation; it sounds unnatural.
彼女の横顔が好きです。
I like her profile (side view of her face).
彼女のプロフィールを読みました。
I read her profile (bio).
The English phrase 'keep a low profile' does not translate directly. Use expressions like 控えめにする (to be modest/reserved) or 目立たないようにする (to avoid standing out).
彼は目立たないようにしている。
He is keeping a low profile.
講演者の略歴を紹介します。
I will introduce the speaker's profile.
彼女は会議で強い存在感を示した。
She maintained a high profile at the meeting.
The profile of the trees is beautiful.