顔(かお)なじみ

かおなじみ

noun

familiar face, acquaintance

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.

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

KANJI NOTE:
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

NOTE:
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

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