Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Face" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "face", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
対する
たいする (taisuru)
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 対する and 他者の顔.
In Japanese, 対する (たいする (taisuru)) is typically associated with "to face, to confront, to be directed at, to be in contrast to, to be regarding/concerning" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used with 「に」.
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 "対する"
先生の質問に対して答えた。
I answered the teacher's question.
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: "先生の質問に対して答えた。" (Meaning: "I answered the teacher's question.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "対する" fits here because it means "to face, to confront, to be directed at, to be in contrast to, to be regarding/concerning" in the context of: "I answered the teacher's question.". "他者の顔" represents "face of the other".