Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.

Words Kanji Guides About

相貌 (そうぼう) Japanese meaning | Kotomora

相そう貌ぼう

そ

う

ぼ

う

Freq.FrequencyTop 100,000

Meanings

1

noun

looks; features; appearance

Refers to the overall appearance of a person's face, including its shape and expression. Somewhat formal or literary.

彼かれの相そう貌ぼうには深ふかい悲かなしみが刻きざまれていた。
Deep sorrow was etched into his features.

Kanji

相inter-, mutual, together
貌form, appearance, countenance

Similar words

顔かお立だち
顔立ち is a more common, everyday word for facial features, while 相貌 is more formal and often carries a nuance of the face's expression or character.
容よう貌ぼう
容貌 also means facial appearance but is slightly more common than 相貌 and can be used in both formal and neutral contexts.

Etymology

Composed of 相 (そう, 'aspect, appearance') and 貌 (ぼう, 'face, countenance'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the kanji combination directly conveys the meaning of facial appearance.