Translation guide
The word 'visage' refers to a person's face or facial expression, often with a literary or formal tone. In Japanese, the most natural equivalents depend on context: everyday speech uses 顔 (kao), while more expressive or literary contexts may use 表情 (hyōjō) or 面影 (omokage).
Referring to someone's face in a neutral or casual way.
The standard word for 'face' in Japanese, used in almost all everyday situations.
Look at his face.
Describing the look on someone's face, often conveying emotion.
Refers specifically to facial expression. Common in both spoken and written Japanese.
彼女の表情はとても穏やかだった。
Her visage was very calm.
Refers to the look or expression on someone's face, often implying a certain character or mood.
A more elevated or literary reference to the face, often implying beauty, dignity, or a lasting impression.
Evokes the image of a face as remembered or imagined, often with a nostalgic or poetic nuance. Suitable for literary contexts.
彼女の面影が今も心に残っている。
Her visage still remains in my heart.
A formal term for facial features or appearance, often used in written descriptions.
Refers to the shape and features of the face, often used when describing someone's looks.
Referring to the outward appearance or aspect of something, often in a metaphorical sense.
Used for the aspect or appearance of a situation or thing, not typically for human faces. Literary.
街は祭りの様相を呈していた。
The town presented a festive visage.
Using literary terms like 面影 or 容貌 in everyday conversation may sound overly dramatic or unnatural. Stick to 顔 or 表情 unless the context is clearly poetic or formal.
彼は心配そうな顔つきをしていた。
He had a worried visage.
その肖像画は彼の若い頃の容貌をよく捉えている。
The portrait captures the visage of his youth well.
彼は整った顔立ちをしている。
He has a well-formed visage.