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合わせる顔がない (あわせるかおがない) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, i-adjective
too ashamed to face someone ; unable to look someone in the eye
Expresses deep shame or guilt that makes one feel unworthy to meet someone. Often used when one has done something wrong or failed to meet expectations.
あ
わせる
顔かお
が
ない
。
With results like this, I can't look anyone in the eye.
Written forms 合あ わせる 顔かお がない
Standard kanji spelling for this expression.
会あ わせる 顔かお がない
irregular kanji usage
Irregular kanji usage; 会わせる is not standard for this meaning.
Similar words 面めん 目ぼく ない Similar in meaning but more formal and literary; 合わせる顔がない is a common colloquial expression.
顔かお 向む けできない Very close in meaning; 合わせる顔がない emphasizes the feeling of shame, while 顔向けできない focuses on the inability to show one's face.
Etymology Literally 'there is no face to meet (someone)'. The phrase uses 顔 (face) metaphorically for one's honor or dignity, and 合わせる (to meet, to bring together) to express the idea of facing someone. The expression is idiomatic and its origin is transparent from its components.
