Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Face" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "face", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
顔
かお (kao)
N4 / 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 顔 and 他者の顔.
In Japanese, 顔 (かお (kao)) is typically associated with "face" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to the face of a person. Often used to describe expressions or appearance..
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 "顔"
彼女は笑顔が素敵な人です。
She is a person with a lovely smile.
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: "彼女は笑 ＿＿＿ が素敵な人です。" (Meaning: "She is a person with a lovely smile.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "顔" fits here because it means "face" in the context of: "She is a person with a lovely smile.". "他者の顔" represents "face of the other".