expression, noun-modifying (irregular)
hollow-cheeked; gaunt-cheeked
Describes a face with sunken cheeks, often due to thinness, age, or illness. Used prenominally.
彼は頬の削げた老人だった。
He was an old man with hollow cheeks.
病気で頬の削げた顔になった。
His face became gaunt-cheeked due to illness.
Phrase composed of 頬 (cheek) + の (possessive particle) + 削げた (past form of 削げる, 'to be chipped/shaved off', here meaning 'hollowed'). The kanji 削 suggests a sharp, carved-out appearance.