面目躍如

• Reading: めんもくやくじょ
• Romaji: menmoku yakujō
• Kanji breakdown: 面 (men) — face; 目 (moku) — eye; 躍 (yaku) — leap, spring; 如 (jo/nyo) — like, as if
• Pronunciation: /me̞nmo̞kɯjakɯd͡ʑo̞/

Meaning

Living up to one's reputation; performing in a manner befitting one's name; in true form.

A four-character compound (四字熟語) expressing that someone is acting exactly as expected of their reputation — their true character springs vividly to life. 躍如 means vivid or springing alive. Typically appears as 面目躍如たる (befitting one's reputation) or 面目躍如といった貫禄 (the composure befitting one's reputation). Formal and literary in register.

Examples

1. 決勝でのプレーはまさに横綱面目躍如たるものだった。 His performance in the finals was truly worthy of a grand champion living up to his name.
2. 百戦錬磨の政治家面目躍如といった貫禄が演説に滲み出ていた。 The seasoned politician's speech exuded the gravitas of a battle-hardened veteran in true form.
3. ベテラン作家の最新作は面目躍如の完成度を誇っていた。 The veteran author's latest work boasted a level of quality that lived up to his reputation.

Usage Guide

Context: literary, journalism, praise, formal evaluation

Tone: positive

Origin & History

面目 (face, honour) + 躍如 (vivid, springing to life). The compound expresses the idea that one's reputation 'springs to life' in one's actions. Classical Chinese in origin, used in formal Japanese since the Edo period.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated