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
俯せ
うつぶせ (utsubuse)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "face" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 面目 and 俯せ.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "俯せ" represents "face down, prone".