Japanese word

頬

Pronunciation

Romajihō

Meaning

  • nouncheek

Example

右の頬が少し痛いです。migi no hō ga suko shi ita i de su

My right cheek hurts a little.

Illustration for 頬 (cheek)

More examples

子どもが笑うと、頬にえくぼができます。ko do mo ga wara u to hō ni e ku bo ga de ki ma su

When the child smiles, dimples appear in their cheeks.

Core concept

Names the soft, fleshy area on either side of the face below the eyes.

Common phrases

  • 頬をなでるhō o na de ru

    stroke the cheek

  • 頬に触れるhō ni fu re ru

    touch the cheek

  • 頬を冷やすhō o hi ya su

    cool the cheek

Similar words

頬っぺたhoppeta: A casual word for the fleshy area on the side of the face below one eye.
ほっぺhoppe: A familiar expression for the fleshy part of the face below the eyes.

Definition in Japanese

目の下からあごまでの顔の左右にある、ふくらんだ部分。me no shita ka ra a go ma de no kao no sa yū ni a ru fu ku ra n da bu bun

Word origin

The Japanese noun 頬 (hō, "cheek") is a native Japanese word, also recorded in the older form ほほ (hoho).

Usage tips

  • In English, cheek can also mean bold or rude behavior, while Japanese 頬 (hō) refers to the body part.

Word lists with this word