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
面目
めんぼく (memboku) / めんもく (memmoku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "face" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 顔 and 面目.
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, 面目 (めんぼく (memboku) / めんもく (memmoku)) maps to "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. 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 "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.
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.". "面目" represents "face; honor; reputation; prestige; dignity in public".