1.
well-connected, having a wide circle of acquaintances
Describes someone who knows many people in various fields or circles and has an extensive network.
彼は業界で顔が広い。
He's well-connected in the industry.
顔が広い人に紹介してもらった。
I was introduced by someone with many connections.
政治家は顔が広くないと務まらない。
You can't serve as a politician without being well-connected.
社長は顔が広いので、困ったときに頼りになる。
The president is well-connected, so you can count on him when you're in trouble.
彼女は顔が広くて、どこに行っても知り合いがいる。一緒に歩くと何度も声をかけられる。
She's so well-connected that she has acquaintances everywhere. When I walk with her, people greet her again and again.
STRUCTURE: 顔 (face) + が + 広い (wide). Literally 'one's face is wide' - meaning one's face is known widely.
RELATED EXPRESSIONS:
- 顔が利く (to have influence, pull) - using connections
- 人脈が広い (to have a wide network) - more formal
- 知り合いが多い (to have many acquaintances) - simpler expression
NUANCE: Implies not just knowing many people casually, but having meaningful connections that can be useful in business or social situations.
CULTURAL NOTE: In Japanese society, personal connections (人脈) are highly valued for getting things done. Being 顔が広い is seen as a valuable social asset.
Related Words
Related:
顔 (face)