Japanese word

顔色

Pronunciation

Romajikaoiro

Meaning

  • nouncomplexion

Example

今日は顔色がいいです。kyō wa kao iro ga i i de su

Your complexion looks good today.

Illustration for 顔色 (complexion)

More examples

会議中、彼の顔色が急に変わりました。kai gi chū kare no kao iro ga kyū ni ka wa ri ma shi ta

During the meeting, his complexion suddenly changed.

Core concept

Describes the visible look of someone's face as an indication of health, mood, or physical condition.

Common phrases

  • 顔色がいいkao iro ga i i

    have a good complexion

  • 顔色が悪いkao iro ga waru i

    look pale

  • 顔色が青いkao iro ga ao i

    look pale

Similar words

血色kesshoku: The color and freshness of the face, especially as a sign of physical health.
表情hyōjō: The look on a person's face that shows feelings or an attitude.
顔つきkaotsuki: The overall appearance of a person's face, including its shape and expression.

Definition in Japanese

健康状態や気分などが表れる顔の肌の色つやや見た目。ken kō jō tai ya ki bun na do ga arawa re ru kao no hada no iro tsu ya ya mi ta me

Word origin

顔 (kao, "face") and 色 (iro, "color") combine to form a native Japanese compound meaning the color or appearance of the face.

Usage tips

  • In everyday English, complexion usually concerns the appearance of facial skin, while skin tone more often describes its natural color.

Other meanings

  • skin tonenoun

Word lists with this word