Spanish Conversation · Level 139
45 words
Spanish word
fisonomía
Pronunciation
IPA/fisonoˈmia/
Meaning
- feminine nounfacial features
Example
La fisonomía del hombre parecía cansada.
The man's facial features looked tired.
More examples
Tu vecino suele mostrar una fisonomía seria cuando trabaja.
Your neighbor tends to display a serious countenance when he works.
Core concept
Overall shape and features of a person's face.
Common phrases
tener una fisonomía amable
have a friendly countenance
mostrar una fisonomía seria
display a serious countenance
la fisonomía juvenil
youthful facial features
Similar words
cara: Casual, everyday face as seen in ordinary conversation.
rostro: Face described in a slightly formal or literary register, emphasizing visible features.
rasgo: An individual facial feature such as an eye, nose, or mouth.
apariencia: General outward appearance of a person or thing, the overall visual impression.
Definition in Spanish
Apariencia del rostro; a veces usada para referirse a rasgos que sugieren carácter, además de la simple apariencia.
Word origin
The word derives from Greek roots physis 'nature' and gnōmē 'judgment', via Latin and Old French, and historically referred to judging character from appearance.
Usage tips
- Although related to English physiognomy, in Spanish fisonomía normally denotes facial appearance, so implying personality is risky and words like carácter or rasgos de personalidad are clearer.
Other meanings
- countenancenoun
- appearancenoun
Related words
- fisonómicophysiognomicaladjective