face, expression

About this kanji

The kanji 「顔」, pronounced as "かお" in kun'yomi and "ガン" in on'yomi, primarily means "face" or "expression." It is often used as a noun. There are several common compounds such as 「似顔」 (にがお) which means "portrait," and 「笑顔」 (えがお) which refers to a "smiling face." Another interesting expression is 「知らん顔」 (しらんかお) that denotes feigned ignorance, while 「顔色」 (かおいろ) describes someone's complexion. This kanji is an important part of expressing emotions and identity in Japanese, and recognizing it can deepen your understanding of conversations related to feelings and appearances.

Example sentences

• 彼女は優しい顔をしている。

  She has a gentle face.

Meanings across languages

English

face, expression

Tiếng Việt

mặt, biểu cảm

日本語

顔, 表情

한국어

얼굴, 표현

中文

脸, 表情

id

wajah

th

ใบหน้า

es

cara

fr

visage

de

Gesicht

pt

rosto

Common compounds

• 似顔にがおportrait, likeness
• 笑顔えがおsmiling face, smile
• 知らん顔しらんかおfeigned ignorance, pretending not to know, pretending not to recognize (someone)
• 横顔よこがおprofile, face in profile, face seen from the side
• 顔色かおいろcomplexion, skin tone, skin colour
• 顔面がんめんface (of person)
• 寝顔ねがおsleeping face
• 真顔まがおserious look (on one's face), straight face

Words using this kanji