Japanese word

顔つき

Pronunciation

Romajikaotsuki

Meaning

  • nounexpression

Example

彼は顔つきが厳しいです。kare wa kao tsu ki ga kibi shi i de su

He has a stern expression.

Illustration for 顔つき (expression)

More examples

その知らせを聞いて、彼の顔つきが急に変わりました。so no shi ra se o ki i te kare no kao tsu ki ga kyū ni ka wa ri ma shi ta

After hearing the news, his expression suddenly changed.

Core concept

Describes the visible expression and overall appearance of a face, often revealing a person's mood or attitude.

Common phrases

  • 厳しい顔つきkibi shi i kao tsu ki

    a stern expression

  • 真剣な顔つきshin ken na kao tsu ki

    a serious expression

  • 不安な顔つきfu an na kao tsu ki

    an anxious look

Similar words

表情hyōjō: The look on a person's face that expresses a feeling or attitude.
面持ちomomochi: The appearance of a person's face as it reflects a feeling at a particular moment.
面構えtsuragamae: The distinctive look of a person's face, often suggesting a firm or serious character.

Definition in Japanese

顔に現れる表情や、顔全体から受ける印象。kao ni arawa re ru hyō jō ya kao zen tai ka ra u ke ru in shō

Word origin

顔 (kao, "face") combines with つき (tsuki, "appearance"), a form related to 付く (tsuku, "to attach"), to mean the appearance shown by the face.

Usage tips

  • 顔つき (kaotsuki) commonly describes a person's face with an adjective such as stern, gentle, or mature, rather than referring to facial anatomy.

Other meanings

  • looksnoun
  • countenancenoun

Word lists with this word