Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Face" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "face", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
面目
めんぼく (memboku) / めんもく (memmoku)
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 面目 and 他者の顔.
In Japanese, 面目 (めんぼく (memboku) / めんもく (memmoku)) is typically associated with "face; honor; reputation; prestige; dignity in public" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to face, honor, reputation, or dignity in public. Often used as 面目を施す.
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 "面目"
取引先の重要なコンペで競合に敗れてしまい、営業部長としての_______を完全に失ってしまいました。
Losing to the competitor in the client's important competition, he completely lost his face as the sales manager.
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: "取引先の重要なコンペで競合に敗れてしまい、営業部長としての_______を完全に失ってしまいました。" (Meaning: "Losing to the competitor in the client's important competition, he completely lost his face as the sales manager.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "面目" fits here because it means "face; honor; reputation; prestige; dignity in public" in the context of: "Losing to the competitor in the client's important competition, he completely lost his face as the sales manager.". "他者の顔" represents "face of the other".