顔(かお)を出(だ)す

かおをだす
expression
to show up, to make an appearance
1. to show up, to make an appearance, to drop by
To attend briefly or make a short visit, often to acknowledge an obligation or maintain relationships.
会議(かいぎ)に顔(かお)を出(だ)してきます。
I'll make an appearance at the meeting.
飲(の)み会(かい)に少(すこ)しだけ顔(かお)を出(だ)した。
I briefly showed up at the drinking party.
たまには実家(じっか)に顔(かお)を出(だ)さないと。
I should show my face at my parents' house once in a while.
2. to peek out, to appear (literal)
For something to physically emerge or become visible.
雲(くも)の間(あいだ)から太陽(たいよう)が顔(かお)を出(だ)した。
The sun peeked out from between the clouds.

STRUCTURE: 顔(かお) (face) + を + 出(だ)す (to put out). Literally 'to put out one's face.'

NUANCE (Sense 1): Implies a brief appearance, not staying long. Often used for:

  • Social obligations (parties, gatherings)
  • Maintaining relationships with minimal effort
  • Business networking events

RELATED EXPRESSIONS:

  • 顔(かお)を見(み)せる (to show one's face) - similar meaning
  • 立(た)ち寄(よ)る (to drop by, stop by)
  • ちょっと寄(よ)る (to stop by briefly)

OTHER 顔(かお) EXPRESSIONS:

  • 顔(かお)が広(ひろ)い: well-connected
  • 顔(かお)を立(た)てる: to save someone's face
  • 顔(かお)に出(だ)る: to show on one's face (emotions)

Related Words

Related: 顔(かお)が広(ひろ)い (well-connected)
general
Added 2026.1.18 19:03 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
06500/06899_kaowodasu