顔色をうかがう

• Reading: かおいろをうかがう
• Romaji: kaoiro wo ukagau
• Kanji breakdown: 顔 (kao) — face; 色 (iro) — color, expression
• Pronunciation: /ka.o.i.ɾo.o.ɯ.ka.ɡa.ɯ/

Meaning

To read someone's face; to be sensitive to another person's mood. To gauge someone's feelings from their expression.

A set phrase combining 顔色 (facial expression/complexion) with うかがう (to observe carefully/to probe). Describes the act of watching someone's face to judge their mood or intentions, often with the nuance of being overly cautious or deferential. People who constantly 顔色をうかがう may be seen as lacking confidence or being too dependent on others' approval.

Examples

1. 上司の顔色をうかがいながら仕事をするのは疲れる。 It's exhausting to constantly be reading your boss's face at work.
2. 子供が親の顔色をうかがって行動するのは良くない。 It's not good for kids to always be watching their parents' expressions before acting.
3. 彼女はいつも周りの顔色をうかがっている。 She's always watching everyone around her for signs of how they're feeling.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, family, interpersonal

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

A compound expression: 顔色 (kaoiro, facial color/expression) + を (object marker) + うかがう (ukagau, to observe/inquire). Literally 'to observe someone's facial color' — reading emotional cues from complexion changes.

Cultural Context

Era: Historical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal