容貌(ようぼう)

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.

Watch out

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