1.
familiar face; acquaintance
A person one recognizes and has some level of familiarity with, though not necessarily a close friend.
彼とは顔馴染みだ。
I'm acquainted with him./He's a familiar face.
カフェで顔馴染みの客と話した。
I talked with a familiar customer at the café.
この辺では顔馴染みが多い。
I know many people by face around here.
WORD FORMATION:
顔 (face) + 馴染み (familiarity) → familiar face = acquaintance
USAGE:
顔馴染み implies a relationship where you recognize someone and have had some interaction, but they may not be a close friend. It's someone you would nod to or greet casually.
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 顔馴染みになる - to become acquainted
- 顔馴染みの店員 - a familiar store clerk
CONTRAST:
- 顔馴染み - someone you recognize (casual acquaintance)
- 知り合い - acquaintance (more formal term)
- 友人 - friend (closer relationship)
Related Words
Related:
馴染み (familiarity)