Translation guide
How to express the idea of briefly appearing somewhere, making an appearance, or showing up in Japanese.
To make a short appearance at a place or event, often out of obligation or courtesy.
Literally 'to put out one's face', this is the most common way to say 'show one's face' in the sense of dropping by briefly.
To appear in public after an absence, or to show up at an event where one is expected.
Literally 'to show one's figure', used when someone appears after being absent or makes a public appearance.
彼は久しぶりに公の場に姿を見せた。
He showed his face in public for the first time in a while.
Physically revealing one's face, e.g., removing a mask or veil.
The English phrase 'showing one's face' is often idiomatic. In Japanese, 顔を出す is the closest natural equivalent for brief appearances. Avoid literal translations like 顔を見せている unless you mean physically revealing your face.
ちょっと顔を出すだけだよ。
I'm just going to show my face for a bit.
パーティーに顔を出してきた。
I showed my face at the party.
Literally 'to show one's face', similar to 顔を出す but can imply a slightly more intentional appearance.
彼は会議に顔を見せなかった。
He didn't show his face at the meeting.
Means 'to drop by' or 'stop by', focusing on the brief visit rather than the face itself.
帰りにオフィスに立ち寄った。
I dropped by the office on my way home.
General verb for 'to appear' or 'to show up', not specifically about the face.
彼は約束の時間に現れなかった。
He didn't show his face at the agreed time.
Used literally when someone reveals their face.
彼女は仮面を外して顔を見せた。
She took off her mask and showed her face.