顔 馴 染(かおなじ)み

かおなじみ

noun

familiar face; acquaintance

formal

See also: 顔(かお)なじみ (familiar face (kana))

1. familiar face; acquaintance

A person one recognizes and has some level of familiarity with, though not necessarily a close friend.

彼(かれ)とは顔馴染(かおなじ)みだ。

I'm acquainted with him./He's a familiar face.

カフェで顔馴染(かおなじ)みの客(きゃく)と話(はな)した。

I talked with a familiar customer at the café.

この辺(へん)では顔馴染(かおなじ)みが多(おお)い。

I know many people by face around here.

Forms

顔(かお) (face) + 馴染(なじ)み (familiarity) → familiar face = acquaintance

Usage

顔馴染(かおなじ)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(かおなじ)みになる - to become acquainted
顔馴染(かおなじ)みの店員(てんいん) - a familiar store clerk

Similar words

顔馴染(かおなじ)み - someone you recognize (casual acquaintance)
知(し)り合(あ)い - acquaintance (broader, neutral term)
友人(ゆうじん) - friend (closer relationship)

Related Words

Related: 馴染(なじ)み (familiarity)

Compare: 知(し)り合(あ)い (acquaintance)

Compare: 友人(ゆうじん) (friend)

Compare: 新顔(しんがお) (newcomer)

general

Added 2026.1.19 13:08 · Revised 2026.9.21 9:40

07000/07305_kaonajimi