1.
appearance; looks; bearing; countenance
A person's overall physical appearance and the impression it gives, including facial features, build, and demeanor. A literary or formal word.
学者らしい風貌の男性だった。
He was a man with a scholarly appearance.
堂々とした風貌が印象的だった。
His imposing bearing was impressive.
年老いた画家の風貌には、長年の苦労がにじみ出ていた。
The aged painter's appearance showed the hardships of many years.
A literary and somewhat elevated word. In everyday speech, 見た目 (looks), 容姿 (appearance), or 外見 (outward appearance) are more common.
風貌 emphasizes the overall impression a person gives — not just physical features but their aura and bearing.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- ～らしい風貌 (an appearance befitting ~)
- 堂々とした風貌 (an imposing bearing)
- 独特の風貌 (distinctive appearance)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 容姿 focuses more on physical beauty/attractiveness
- 外見 is a neutral term for outward appearance
- 風貌 includes demeanor and the impression one projects