1.
complexion; facial color
The color or condition of someone's face, typically used to assess health or physical state.
顔色が悪いですよ。
You don't look well. (Your complexion is bad.)
熱が下がって、顔色がだいぶ良くなった。
The fever went down and her complexion improved considerably.
朝から顔色が青白くて、周りの人に心配された。
My face was pale since morning, and the people around me were worried.
2.
expression; look on one's face; someone's mood or attitude
The look on someone's face that reveals their feelings, mood, or approval. Often used in the phrase 顔色をうかがう (to read someone's expression / to try to gauge someone's mood).
上司の顔色をうかがう。
To read one's boss's expression. / To try to gauge one's boss's mood.
彼は誰の顔色も気にしない性格だ。
He has a personality that doesn't care about what others think.
いつも人の顔色ばかりうかがっていたら、自分の意見が言えなくなる。
If you're always trying to read other people's moods, you won't be able to express your own opinions.
A compound of 顔 (face) and 色 (color). Sense 1 refers literally to the color of the face as a sign of health; sense 2 extends to the expression or demeanor one shows, especially regarding approval or displeasure.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 顔色が悪い: to look unwell
- 顔色が良い: to look healthy
- 顔色をうかがう: to read someone's expression; to try to gauge someone's mood
- 顔色を変える: to change one's expression (from shock, anger, etc.)
- 顔色が青い: to look pale
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 血色: complexion (health-related) — focuses specifically on the pinkness indicating good blood circulation
- 表情: facial expression — broader term for any expression; does not carry the nuance of gauging someone's mood
- 機嫌: mood; temper — describes the mood itself rather than the outward signs on the face
USAGE:
The phrase 顔色をうかがう has a slightly negative connotation, suggesting excessive deference or people-pleasing. It is a common topic in discussions about workplace culture and interpersonal relationships in Japan.