顔(かお)なじみ

かおなじみ

noun

familiar face, acquaintance

person

See also: 顔馴染(かおなじ)み (familiar face (kanji))

1. familiar face, acquaintance

A person one knows by sight from regular encounters, though not necessarily a close friend.

あの店(みせ)の顔(かお)なじみだ。

I'm a regular at that shop.

近所(きんじょ)の顔(かお)なじみに挨拶(あいさつ)した。

I greeted a familiar face from the neighborhood.

毎朝(まいあさ)同(おな)じ電車(でんしゃ)に乗(の)るので、顔(かお)なじみが何人(なんにん)かいる。

Since I take the same train every morning, there are several people I know by sight.

Forms

顔(かお) (face) + 馴染(なじ)み (familiarity) = someone known by face

Writing

Also written as 顔馴染(かおなじ)み.

Common collocations

顔(かお)なじみになる: to become acquainted (by regular contact)
顔(かお)なじみの客(きゃく): a regular customer
顔(かお)なじみの店員(てんいん): a familiar shop clerk

Usage

顔(かお)なじみ implies recognition through repeated encounters rather than formal introduction. The relationship can range from nodding acquaintances to people one chats with regularly.

general

Added 2026.3.17 11:17 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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