Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Face" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "face", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
向く
むく (muku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
他者の顔
たしゃのかお (tashanokao)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "face" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 向く and 他者の顔.
In Japanese, 向く (むく (muku)) is typically associated with "to face; to turn toward; to be suited to" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to physically facing a direction, or abstractly being suited/fit for a job or role. Often used as 前を向く or 仕事に向く. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To face! "I only have eyes for you, so my heart is always facing your way, Haruka-san!" ...っ! Heart always facing my way! B-Baka! Don't make such romantic orientation claims! But... since you are facing me, make sure you never turn your head to look at anyone else! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『むく（向く）よ！『ハルカ部長、僕の適性は開発リーダーだけではありません！あなたを一生幸せにする専属の旦那様としての仕事が、世界で一番向いています！』って…っ！旦那様に向いている！バカ！/// 何その自信満々な適性検査は！…でも、そのヤル気があるなら、一生私だけに向き合って全力で尽くしなさい！』.
On the other hand, 他者の顔 (たしゃのかお (tashanokao)) maps to "face of the other" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "face" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "向く"
彼は挫折しかけたチームメンバーの手を強く握り、「下ばかり向いていないで、明日を_______歩みを進めよう」と励ましました。
He held the hand of a team member who was about to collapse tightly and encouraged, 'Don't just keep looking down, let's face tomorrow and step forward.'
Bilingual Context for "他者の顔"
私は他者の顔に興味があります。
I am interested in face of the other.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は挫折しかけたチームメンバーの手を強く握り、「下ばかり向いていないで、明日を_______歩みを進めよう」と励ましました。" (Meaning: "He held the hand of a team member who was about to collapse tightly and encouraged, 'Don't just keep looking down, let's face tomorrow and step forward.'")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "向く" fits here because it means "to face; to turn toward; to be suited to" in the context of: "He held the hand of a team member who was about to collapse tightly and encouraged, 'Don't just keep looking down, let's face tomorrow and step forward.'". "他者の顔" represents "face of the other".