素顔(すがお)

すがお
noun
bare face, true character
body-part
1. bare face, face without makeup
A face that has no makeup or cosmetics applied. A natural, unadorned appearance.
素顔(すがお)がきれいだ。
She has a beautiful bare face.
On days off, I often go without makeup.
素顔(すがお)と化粧後(けしょうご)の差(さ)が大(おお)きい。
There's a big difference between her bare face and her face with makeup.
2. true character, real self
A person's genuine personality or nature, as opposed to the public image or persona they project.
To get close to a celebrity's true self.
There's a real side of them that they don't show in front of the camera.
インタビューで監督(かんとく)の素顔(すがお)が垣間(かいま)見(み)えた。
The director's true character was glimpsed in the interview.

Usage

In sense 1, often used as a no-adjective (素顔(すがお)の + noun). In sense 2, commonly used in media and entertainment to talk about the private side of public figures.

Common collocations