顔

• Reading: かお
• Romaji: kao
• Kanji breakdown: 顔 (gan/kao) — face, expression
• Pronunciation: /ka.o/

Meaning

Face; visage; looks; facial features.

Refers to the physical face as well as facial expression. Frequently used in idioms: 顔が広い (well-connected, literally 'wide face'), 顔を出す (to show up), and 顔色が悪い (looking unwell). Can also mean reputation or honour in certain expressions.

Examples

1. 朝起きてまず顔を洗います。 I wash my face first thing when I wake up in the morning.
2. お母さんと顔がよく似ている。 You look a lot like your mother.
3. 今日は顔色がいいですね。 You're looking well today.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, appearance, greetings

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 顔 combines 彦 (a phonetic element) and 頁 (head), indicating the front of the head.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal