容貌(ようぼう)

ようぼう
noun
facial features; looks; appearance
1. facial features; looks; appearance
A person's physical appearance, particularly their facial features. A formal, literary word for how someone looks.
容貌(ようぼう)が母親(ははおや)に似(に)ている。
Her features resemble her mother's.
年齢(ねんれい)とともに容貌(ようぼう)も変(か)わっていく。
One's appearance changes with age.
彼(かれ)は端正(たんせい)な容貌(ようぼう)の持(も)ち主(ぬし)で、誰(だれ)からも好(す)かれた。
He had refined features and was liked by everyone.

A formal, literary word for a person's physical appearance, especially facial features. Significantly more elevated in register than everyday words like 顔(かお).

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 容貌(ようぼう)端麗(たんれい): beautiful appearance
  • 端正(たんせい)な容貌(ようぼう): refined, handsome features
  • 容貌(ようぼう)が変(か)わる: one's appearance changes
  • 容貌(ようぼう)に恵(めぐ)まれる: to be blessed with good looks

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 顔(かお): face (everyday, neutral)
  • 外見(がいけん): outward appearance (not limited to face)
  • 容姿(ようし): appearance and figure (includes body, slightly less formal than 容貌(ようぼう))
  • 風貌(ふうぼう): personal appearance and bearing (includes overall impression)

REGISTER:
Used in literary writing, formal descriptions, and police reports. Rarely used in casual conversation. For everyday speech, 顔(かお) or 見(み)た目(め) (looks) is more natural.

HOMOPHONE:
要望(ようぼう) (request, demand) — different kanji and meaning.

general
Added 2026.3.23 19:17 · Revised 2026.3.29 18:08
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