Japanese word

顔見知り

Pronunciation

Romajikaomishiri

Meaning

  • nounacquaintance

Example

私は顔見知りにあいさつしました。watashi wa kao mi shi ri ni a i sa tsu shi ma shi ta

I said hello to an acquaintance.

Illustration for 顔見知り (acquaintance)

More examples

駅で顔見知りを見かけると、軽く会釈します。eki de kao mi shi ri o mi ka ke ru to karu ku e shaku shi ma su

When I see an acquaintance at the station, I give a slight bow.

Core concept

Describes a person known by recognizing their face, without implying a close personal relationship.

Common phrases

  • 顔見知りを見かけるkao mi shi ri o mi ka ke ru

    spot an acquaintance

  • 顔見知りに会うkao mi shi ri ni a u

    meet an acquaintance

  • 顔見知りになるkao mi shi ri ni na ru

    become acquainted

Similar words

知り合いshiriai: A person known through contact or a shared connection, without stating how close the relationship is.
顔馴染みkaonajimi: A person recognized as familiar after repeated encounters, especially at a particular place.
知人chijin: A person known through social or personal contact without suggesting a close relationship.

Definition in Japanese

顔を見て誰であるか分かる程度の知り合い。kao o mi te dare de a ru ka wa ka ru tei do no shi ri a i

Word origin

顔見知り (kaomishiri) is a native Japanese compound of 顔 (kao, "face") and 見知り (mishiri, "recognition by sight"), meaning someone whose face is known.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 顔見知り (kaomishiri) often describes a neighbor, coworker, or shop regular known through repeated encounters without a close relationship.

Other meanings

  • familiar facenoun

Word lists with this word