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
俯せ
うつぶせ (utsubuse)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "face" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 対する and 俯せ.
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, 俯せ (うつぶせ (utsubuse)) maps to "face down, prone" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes the posture of lying down with the face or front of the body facing downwards. Often contrasted with 仰向け. 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 "俯せ"
彼女はテーブルに俯せになって泣いていた。
She was crying, face down on the table.
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.". "俯せ" represents "face down, prone".