face

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading is がん, and the kun reading is かお. It has 18 strokes. It appears in words for faces and smiles.
• Basic usage: 顔 is read かお and 笑顔 is read えがお.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 顔 / 笑顔
  • 顔 means face and is read かお. It appears in situations such as washing one’s face or feeling relieved upon seeing a friend’s face.
  • 冷たい水で顔を洗った。 means “I washed my face with cold water.”
  • 笑顔 means smile or smiling face and is read えがお. It refers to a smile that can ease fatigue or welcome a guest.
  • 子どもの笑顔を見ると疲れが和らぐ。 means “Seeing the child's smile eases my fatigue.”