synonym Comparative
頭角
VS
面目躍如
Differences Between "頭角" and "面目躍如"
Option A
頭角
Meaning
outstanding ability; pre-eminence; excelling others
Reading
とうかく (tōkaku)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
彼は若くしてその分野で頭角を現した。
He distinguished himself in that field at a young age.
Option B
面目躍如
Meaning
showing one's true ability/worth; living up to one's reputation; performing splendidly
Reading
めんもくやくじょ (menboku yakujo)
Syllabus Level
N1
Practical Example
彼は大事な試合で、まさに面目躍如の活躍を見せた。
In the important match, he truly performed splendidly, living up to his reputation.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(outstanding ability; pre-eminence; excelling others)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 頭角: Almost always used in the phrase 頭角を現す (tōkaku o arawasu), meaning 'to distinguish oneself' or 'to show one's talents/abilities.' It implies rising above others due to talent. (ほとんどの場合「頭角を現す」という形で使われ、「才能や能力を発揮して他の人よりも抜きん出る」という意味合いを持つ。)
- 面目躍如: 四字熟語 (yojijukugo - four-character idiom) indicating that someone has performed excellently, proving their true ability or living up to high expectations. Often used in situations where someone was expected to perform well and indeed did. 「期待通り、またはそれ以上に素晴らしい活躍を見せ、実力や面目をはっきりと示すこと。」
- 頭角: Almost always used in the phrase 頭角を現す (tōkaku o arawasu), meaning 'to distinguish oneself' or 'to show one's talents/abilities.' It implies rising above others due to talent. (ほとんどの場合「頭角を現す」という形で使われ、「才能や能力を発揮して他の人よりも抜きん出る」という意味合いを持つ。)
- 面目躍如: 四字熟語 (yojijukugo - four-character idiom) indicating that someone has performed excellently, proving their true ability or living up to high expectations. Often used in situations where someone was expected to perform well and indeed did. 「期待通り、またはそれ以上に素晴らしい活躍を見せ、実力や面目をはっきりと示すこと。」
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