似顔(にがお)

Combines 似(に) (resemblance) and 顔(がお) (face). Almost always appears in the compound 似顔絵(にがおえ) (portrait sketch/caricature). 似顔絵(にがおえ) can refer to both artistic portrait sketches drawn at tourist spots and festivals, and police composite sketches of suspects.

Common collocations

• 似顔絵(にがおえ): portrait sketch, caricature
• 似顔絵(にがおえ)師(し): portrait artist
• 似顔絵(にがおえ)を描(か)く: to draw a portrait sketch
• 犯人(はんにん)の似顔絵(にがおえ): composite sketch of a suspect

Cultural note

似顔絵(にがおえ) artists are a common sight at Japanese tourist spots, festivals, and amusement parks. The style often leans toward caricature, exaggerating distinctive facial features.