Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
頭角 (とうかく) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word Freq. Frequency Top 50,000 Meanings 1
noun
top of the head
A rare standalone noun for the top or projecting part of the head. Modern learners will most often see it inside the idiom 頭角を現す, literally involving 頭角 but used idiomatically for someone beginning to stand out.
See also: 頭角を現す
使つか
わ
れ
ない
。
Literally, 頭角 refers to the top of the head, but in modern Japanese it is not often used by itself.
Kanji 頭 head, counter for large animals Similar words 頭とう 角かく を 現あらわ す A fixed expression using 頭角; it means to distinguish oneself or begin to show exceptional ability. This is much more important in modern use than the standalone noun.
頭とう 頂ちょう A more anatomical or descriptive word for the crown or top of the head; unlike 頭角, it is not tied to the idiom 頭角を現す.
Etymology Written with 頭, 'head,' and 角, 'horn' or 'corner/projection.' This component explanation matches the literal sense of a projecting top of the head, but the detailed historical development is not specified.
