noun
smiling face; beaming face
Refers to a broad, happy smile reminiscent of the god Ebisu, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, who is often depicted with a cheerful expression. Used to describe someone's face when they are smiling broadly or looking very pleased.
彼はえびす顔で宝くじの当選を報告した。
He reported his lottery win with a beaming smile.
孫の写真を見て、祖母はえびす顔になった。
Looking at her grandchild's photo, the grandmother broke into a broad smile.
Rarely used kanji form; 夷 is an older character for Ebisu.
Compound of えびす (Ebisu, the god of fortune often depicted smiling) and 顔 (face). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term is conventionally associated with the god's cheerful expression.