似顔(にがお)

にがお
noun
likeness (of a face); portrait; facial resemblance
1. likeness (of a face); portrait; facial resemblance
Most commonly encountered in the compound 似顔絵 (caricature/portrait sketch).
似顔絵(にがおえ)を描(か)いてもらった。
I had a portrait sketch drawn of me.
駅前(えきまえ)で似顔絵(にがおえ)師(し)が絵(え)を描(か)いている。
A portrait artist is drawing pictures in front of the station.
犯人(はんにん)の似顔絵(にがおえ)が公開(こうかい)された。
A composite sketch of the suspect was released.

Combines 似(に) (resemblance) and 顔(かお/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.

general
Added 2026.5.7 21:16
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