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B1 noun 9 min read

泣き顔

nakigao

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 泣き顔 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 泣き顔 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of '泣き顔' (nakigao) as two simple words put together: '泣き' (naki) from '泣く' (naku - to cry) and '顔' (kao - face). In Japanese, when we put these two words together, the 'k' in 'kao' changes to a 'g', making it 'gao'. So, 'nakigao' literally means 'crying face'. You might use this word when talking about a baby or a friend who looks sad. For example, 'Akachan no nakigao' means 'The baby's crying face'. It is a noun, so you use it like other objects. If you see someone crying, you are seeing their 'nakigao'. It is a very useful word for describing how someone looks when they are sad or upset. Even at this early stage, remembering that the sound changes to 'gao' will make your Japanese sound much more natural. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just focus on the idea that it's a 'face' that is 'crying'.

At the A2 level, you can start using '泣き顔' (nakigao) in more complete sentences. You should know that it is often used with verbs like '見る' (miru - to see) or '見せる' (miseru - to show). For example, 'Kanojo no nakigao o mita' means 'I saw her crying face'. This word is more specific than just saying 'She is crying'. It focuses on what her face looks like. You will often hear this in stories or see it in manga when a character is very emotional. It is also important to distinguish it from '泣き声' (nakigoe), which means 'crying voice'. If you hear someone, you use 'nakigoe'. If you see them, you use 'nakigao'. You can also use simple adjectives with it, like 'kawaii nakigao' (a cute crying face, often said about children) or 'kanashii nakigao' (a sad crying face). Practice using the particle 'no' to connect people to the word, such as 'otouto no nakigao' (my younger brother's crying face).

At the B1 level, you should understand the emotional nuance of '泣き顔' (nakigao). It is not just a description; it often carries a sense of empathy or a specific atmosphere. In Japanese culture, showing your 'nakigao' to others can be a sign of vulnerability or deep trust, as people usually try to hide their tears in public. You should be comfortable using it in sentences like 'Nakigao o miseru no ga hazukashii' (It's embarrassing to show my crying face). You might also encounter the phrase 'nakigao o tsukuru', which means to deliberately make a face that looks like crying, perhaps to get attention or as a joke. At this level, you should also be aware of 'rendaku'—the sound change from 'kao' to 'gao'—and use it consistently. You'll find this word frequently in J-Pop lyrics and dramas, often representing a turning point in a relationship where one person sees the other's true, vulnerable self. It is a key word for describing emotional scenes more vividly than just using the verb 'naku'.

At the B2 level, you can use '泣き顔' (nakigao) to describe complex emotional states and literary scenes. You should understand that 'nakigao' can be modified by a variety of descriptive phrases to provide more depth. For instance, 'Hidoi nakigao de heya o tobideshita' (She ran out of the room with a terrible/messy crying face). Here, 'hidoi' emphasizes the intensity of the crying. You should also recognize the word in various registers, from the informal 'nakibeso' (used for children) to more poetic contexts where 'namidagao' might be used instead. B2 learners should also be able to use the word in the context of 'Honne' (true feelings) versus 'Tatemae' (public face). Showing one's 'nakigao' is often the moment the 'Honne' is revealed. You should also be able to use it in passive or causative structures, such as 'Nakigao o mirareta' (My crying face was seen by someone), which often implies a sense of shame or exposure in Japanese social contexts. This word is a tool for adding visual and emotional texture to your storytelling and descriptions of people.

At the C1 level, your understanding of '泣き顔' (nakigao) should encompass its symbolic and psychological weight in Japanese literature and social dynamics. You should be able to analyze how authors use the description of a 'nakigao' to evoke specific responses in the reader without explicitly stating the character's emotions. For example, a description focusing on the 'shioshio to shita nakigao' (a withered, dejected crying face) conveys a very different mood than a 'hageshii nakigao' (a violent, intense crying face). You should also be familiar with how 'nakigao' interacts with social expectations of stoicism (gaman). In a professional or formal setting, the mention of someone's 'nakigao' might be a powerful way to describe a breakdown of order or a moment of profound human connection. You should also be able to distinguish between 'nakigao' and related terms like 'namidagao' or 'kyousou' in classical or highly formal texts. Furthermore, you can use 'nakigao' metaphorically in advanced discussion, perhaps describing the 'nakigao' of a nation or a community in the wake of a tragedy, moving beyond the literal physical face to a collective emotional state.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '泣き顔' (nakigao), including its most subtle connotations and its place within the broader tapestry of Japanese aesthetics and emotional expression. You understand that the 'nakigao' is often romanticized in Japanese art—the 'beautiful crying face'—and can discuss the cultural implications of this aesthetic choice. You are capable of using the word in sophisticated literary critiques or psychological analyses, perhaps exploring the dichotomy between the 'nakigao' as a mask of manipulation versus the 'nakigao' as an irreducible expression of the self. Your usage should be flawless, including the correct application of 'rendaku' and the ability to pair the noun with advanced verbs and idiomatic expressions. You can also appreciate the word's use in historical texts or poetry, where the visual of a tear-stained face serves as a potent symbol for loss, longing, or the transience of life (mono no aware). At this level, '泣き顔' is not just a vocabulary item but a conceptual window into the way Japanese language and culture navigate the complex intersection of visibility, emotion, and social identity.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

泣き顔 in 30 Seconds

A noun meaning 'crying face' or 'tearful expression'.
Formed from 'naki' (cry) and 'kao' (face), with rendaku changing 'k' to 'g'.
Used to emphasize vulnerability, empathy, or raw emotion in media and daily life.
Commonly paired with verbs like 'miseru' (show), 'kakusu' (hide), and 'miru' (see).

The Japanese word 泣き顔 (なきがお - nakigao) is a compound noun that translates literally to "crying face." It is composed of two primary elements: the stem of the verb naku (泣く - to cry) and the noun kao (顔 - face). When these two are joined, the 'k' sound in 'kao' undergoes a linguistic phenomenon known as rendaku (sequential voicing), transforming it into 'gao'. This word is essential for English speakers to understand because it captures a specific visual and emotional state that is frequently highlighted in Japanese culture, literature, and daily conversation. Unlike the simple verb "crying," which describes an action, nakigao describes the physical appearance and the atmosphere surrounding a person who is in the midst of, or has just finished, expressing sorrow or distress through tears.

Visual Nuance: It refers to the red eyes, the puffed cheeks, the trembling lips, and the overall expression of grief or overwhelming emotion on a person's face.

In a cultural context, showing one's nakigao is often seen as an act of extreme vulnerability. Japan is a society that values tatemae (public face) and maintaining composure. Therefore, revealing a nakigao to someone usually implies a deep level of trust or a moment where one's emotional barriers have completely broken down. You will find this word used extensively in song lyrics, where artists describe the beauty or the pain of a loved one's crying face, and in manga or anime, where the visual depiction of a character's nakigao is a key storytelling device to evoke empathy from the audience.

彼は彼女の泣き顔を見て、何も言えなくなった。

Furthermore, nakigao isn't always negative. It can describe a face crying from joy (嬉し泣き - ureshinaki) or relief. However, without a specific modifier, it generally leans toward sadness or pain. It is also used frequently when talking about children or infants, as their faces change drastically when they are about to burst into tears. Understanding this word helps learners move beyond simple actions and start describing the emotional states and physical appearances of people in a more nuanced, Japanese-centric way.

Emotional Weight: The word carries more weight than just "a face that is crying"; it often implies the observer's reaction to that face.

赤ちゃんの泣き顔も可愛いものです。

In summary, nakigao is a versatile noun used to describe the visual manifestation of crying. It bridges the gap between the internal feeling and the external appearance. Whether you are reading a novel, watching a drama, or talking about a friend's reaction to a sad movie, this word provides the specific vocabulary needed to focus on the facial expression itself rather than just the act of weeping.

Using 泣き顔 correctly requires understanding its role as a noun. It is most frequently paired with verbs that describe seeing, showing, or hiding. Because it is a physical state, you will often find it as the object of a sentence. For instance, the phrase nakigao o miseru (to show a crying face) is extremely common when discussing vulnerability.

Common Verb Pairings: 1. 見せる (to show) 2. 隠す (to hide) 3. 拭く (to wipe - specifically wiping the face) 4. 思い出す (to remember someone's face).

When you want to describe someone's crying face, you use the particle no (の). For example, tomodachi no nakigao (a friend's crying face). You can also use adjectives to modify it, such as kanashii nakigao (a sad crying face) or hidoi nakigao (a terrible/messy crying face). Note that in Japanese, describing someone's face as 'messy' while crying isn't necessarily an insult; it can emphasize the intensity of their emotion.

人前で泣き顔を見せるのは恥ずかしい。

Another important usage is in the context of 'pretending.' The phrase nakigao o tsukuru (to make a crying face) can mean someone is physically contorting their face to look like they are crying, perhaps to garner sympathy or as part of a performance. In contrast, nakigao ni naru (to become a crying face) describes the natural transition of one's expression as they succumb to emotions.

Sentence Structure: [Person] + は + [Adjective] + 泣き顔 + をしている。 (Person has a [adjective] crying face.)

彼女はひどい泣き顔で部屋を飛び出した。

In literary settings, nakigao often serves as a focal point for the narrator's empathy. By describing the nakigao, the writer avoids telling the reader "she was sad" and instead shows the reader the physical evidence of that sadness. For learners, practicing these combinations—showing, hiding, and describing—will allow for much more expressive Japanese communication.

君の泣き顔なんて、もう見たくないよ。

Finally, consider the social implications. In professional settings, mentioning someone's nakigao might be too personal unless you are very close. It is a word that carries intimacy. Use it carefully when referring to superiors or colleagues to avoid sounding overly familiar or invasive of their privacy.

You will encounter 泣き顔 in a variety of contexts, ranging from the highly emotional to the mundane. One of the most prominent places is in J-Pop lyrics. Japanese music frequently explores themes of unrequited love, parting ways, and deep emotional bonds. In these songs, describing a lover's nakigao is a staple. It represents a moment of raw truth that the singer remembers vividly.

Media Contexts: 1. Anime/Manga: During dramatic confessions or sad departures. 2. TV Dramas: When a character is caught crying by a friend. 3. Variety Shows: Often used jokingly when a celebrity is moved to tears by a surprise.

In daily life, parents are perhaps the most frequent users of this word. They might say to their toddler, "Don't make such a nakigao!" or comment on how cute their child's nakigao is when they are throwing a small tantrum. It softens the act of crying, turning it into a descriptive state rather than just a noisy action.

ドラマのヒロインの泣き顔がとても綺麗だった。

Another common place is in literature. Japanese authors often focus on the "face" as a mirror of the soul. A detailed description of a nakigao—the way the light hits the tears, the specific way the eyes are narrowed—is a hallmark of emotive Japanese writing. If you read light novels or short stories, you will see this word used to build atmosphere and character depth.

Social media also sees a fair share of this word. People might post about a movie that made them cry, using the hashtag #泣き顔 to describe their state after watching it. It is a way to share emotional vulnerability in a semi-public space. However, in professional business news or formal reports, you are unlikely to see nakigao; instead, more formal terms like rukan (涙顔 - tearful face) or descriptions of 'shedding tears' would be used.

あんなに悲しい泣き顔、二度と見たくない。

In summary, listen for nakigao whenever the focus shifts from the *act* of crying to the *appearance* and *emotion* reflected on someone's face. It is a word of observation and empathy, deeply embedded in how Japanese speakers describe human connection and emotional breakdown.

While 泣き顔 is a relatively straightforward noun, English speakers often make a few specific errors when integrating it into their Japanese. The first and most common mistake is confusing nakigao with the verb naku (to cry). Remember that nakigao is a thing (a face), while naku is an action. You cannot say "I am nakigao-ing.".

Mistake 1: Confusing with 泣き声 (nakigoe): Nakigoe means "crying voice" or the sound of weeping. Learners often mix these up when they want to say they heard someone crying.

Another frequent error involves the rendaku (voicing) mentioned earlier. Many students continue to say naki-kao. While a Japanese person will understand you, it sounds unnatural and disconnected. Always ensure the 'k' becomes a 'g'. This is a rule for many compound words ending in 'face', like egao (smiling face) and neyasui gao (sleepy face).

× 彼の泣き顔を聞いた。
○ 彼の泣き声を聞いた。
○ 彼の泣き顔を見た。

Usage of particles is another pitfall. Since nakigao describes a state, learners sometimes try to use it as an adjective directly before another noun without the particle no. For example, saying nakigao kodomo instead of nakigao no kodomo (a child with a crying face). In Japanese, nouns modifying other nouns almost always require no.

Mistake 2: Overusing it for 'Sadness': Don't use nakigao just to say someone is sad. Use 'kanashii' for the feeling. Use 'nakigao' only when the physical face is involved.

Finally, be careful with the intensity. Nakigao is a powerful word. If someone is just a bit teary-eyed, using nakigao might sound like they are bawling. For lighter situations, you might use namidagao (tearful face) or simply mention their eyes are red (me ga akai). Understanding the weight of the word helps you match the emotion of the situation.

× 彼は泣き顔です。
○ 彼は泣きそうな顔をしています。(He looks like he's about to cry.)

To avoid these mistakes, always visualize the person's face. If you can see the tears or the expression of crying, nakigao is appropriate. If you are describing the sound, the feeling, or the general mood, look for alternative vocabulary.

While 泣き顔 is the most common way to describe a crying face, several other words offer different nuances. Understanding these alternatives will help you fine-tune your descriptions and understand more complex Japanese texts.

涙顔 (なみだがお - namidagao): This literally means "tear-face." It is slightly more poetic and focuses specifically on the presence of tears rather than the overall facial contortion of crying. It's often used in literature to describe a beautiful or tragic scene.
泣きべそ (なきべそ - nakibeso): This is a more colloquial term, almost exclusively used for children. It describes the face a child makes when they are trying to hold back tears but their mouth is already starting to pucker. It’s often used affectionately or teasingly.

Another important comparison is with 泣き出しそうな顔 (nakidashisou na kao). While nakigao implies the person is already crying or has a face that shows they were crying, nakidashisou na kao specifically means they look like they are *about to start* crying. This is a crucial distinction in storytelling.

彼女は泣きべそをかいて、お母さんの後ろに隠れた。

For more formal or clinical descriptions, you might encounter 泣相 (kyousou), though this is very rare and mostly found in specific physiognomy contexts. In everyday formal speech, people might avoid the noun altogether and use the verb phrase namida o nagashite iru (shedding tears).

Finally, we have 半泣き (hannaki), which means "half-crying." This describes someone who is on the verge of tears or crying just a little bit. It is often used to describe someone who is overwhelmed or frustrated but hasn't fully broken down yet. Using hannaki no gao would describe that specific, strained expression.

あまりの忙しさに、彼は半泣きで作業を続けた。

By learning these variations, you can choose the word that fits the age of the person, the intensity of the emotion, and the formality of the situation. Nakigao remains your most reliable, all-purpose term, but these alternatives provide the color needed for advanced fluency.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji for 泣 (cry) consists of the 'water' radical (氵) and the character for 'stand' (立). It depicts a person standing and shedding water (tears).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /nakiɡa.o/

US /nɑkiɡɑ.oʊ/

Japanese pitch accent is usually flat (Heiban) for this word: na-ki-ga-o.

Rhymes With

笑顔 (egao) 寝顔 (negao) 横顔 (yokogao) 素顔 (sugao) 産顔 (ubugao) 丸顔 (marugao) 似顔 (nigao) 変顔 (hengao)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'naki-kao' without the rendaku.
Stressing the 'ki' too much.
Making the 'o' sound like a long 'oo'.
Merging 'ga' and 'o' into a single diphthong like 'gow'.
Treating it as three syllables instead of four (na-ki-ga-o).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Kanji for 'naki' and 'kao' are common, but learners must know the rendaku 'gao'.

Writing 4/5

The kanji 泣 has several strokes and 顔 is quite complex for beginners.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to say once you remember the 'gao' sound change.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation, but can be confused with 'nakigoe' (voice).

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

泣く (naku) 顔 (kao) 涙 (namida) 見る (miru) 悲しい (kanashii)

Learn Next

笑顔 (egao) 寝顔 (negao) 横顔 (yokogao) 表情 (hyoujou) 感情 (kanjou)

Advanced

嗚咽 (oetsu) 落涙 (rakurui) 号泣 (goukyuu) 面持ち (omomochi) 愁眉 (shuubi)

Grammar to Know

Rendaku (Sequential Voicing)

Kao (face) becomes Gao in Nakigao, Egao, and Yokogao.

Noun + No + Noun

Watashi no (my) + nakigao (crying face) = my crying face.

Te-form for concurrent states

Nakigao de (with a crying face) + warau (to laugh).

Potential Passive

Nakigao o miraretakunai (I don't want my crying face to be seen).

Adjective + Noun

Hidoi (terrible) + nakigao (crying face).

Examples by Level

赤ちゃんの泣き顔はかわいいです。

The baby's crying face is cute.

Uses the particle 'no' to link 'baby' and 'crying face'.

泣き顔を見ないでください。

Please don't look at my crying face.

Uses 'o' as the object marker for 'nakigao'.

彼女は泣き顔でした。

She had a crying face.

Simple noun + desu structure.

弟の泣き顔を見て悲しくなりました。

I felt sad seeing my younger brother's crying face.

Uses the 'te' form of 'miru' to connect two actions.

泣き顔を拭きました。

I wiped my crying face.

Wiping (fuku) the face as an object.

そんな泣き顔をしないで。

Don't make such a crying face.

Informal command using 'shinaide'.

彼の泣き顔を初めて見ました。

I saw his crying face for the first time.

Uses 'hajimete' (for the first time).

泣き顔が大好きです。

I love [their] crying face (often said of babies).

Subject/Object + ga daisuki.

友達の泣き顔を見て、私も泣きました。

Seeing my friend's crying face, I also cried.

Connecting two emotional states with the 'te' form.

彼は泣き顔を隠すために、帽子をかぶった。

He put on a hat to hide his crying face.

Uses 'tame ni' to express purpose.

映画の後の彼女はひどい泣き顔だった。

She had a terrible crying face after the movie.

Adjective 'hidoi' modifying 'nakigao'.

泣き顔のまま、彼女は笑った。

She laughed while still having a crying face.

Uses 'mama' to indicate a continuing state.

写真の中の彼は泣き顔をしていた。

In the photo, he had a crying face.

Uses the phrase 'o shite ita' to describe an appearance.

悲しい時は、泣き顔を見せてもいいんだよ。

When you're sad, it's okay to show your crying face.

Uses 'te mo ii' to give permission.

妹はわざと泣き顔を作った。

My younger sister purposely made a crying face.

Uses 'wazato' (purposely) and 'tsukuru' (to make).

泣き顔を誰にも見られたくない。

I don't want my crying face to be seen by anyone.

Uses the passive potential form 'miraretakunai'.

彼女の泣き顔を思い出すと、胸が苦しくなる。

When I remember her crying face, my chest feels tight.

Uses the conditional 'to' for a natural consequence.

彼は泣き顔を見られないように、急いで背を向けた。

He quickly turned his back so that his crying face wouldn't be seen.

Uses 'youni' to indicate a goal or prevention.

あんなに美しい泣き顔を、今まで見たことがない。

I have never seen such a beautiful crying face before.

Uses 'mita koto ga nai' for past experience.

泣き顔で謝られても、許すことはできない。

Even if you apologize with a crying face, I cannot forgive you.

Uses 'te mo' to mean 'even if'.

ドラマのクライマックスで、俳優の泣き顔に感動した。

I was moved by the actor's crying face at the climax of the drama.

Uses 'ni kandou shita' (was moved by).

母親は子供の泣き顔を見て、すぐに異変に気づいた。

The mother looked at the child's crying face and immediately noticed something was wrong.

Uses 'ni kidzuita' (noticed).

強がっているけれど、彼女は今にも泣き顔になりそうだ。

She's acting tough, but she looks like she's about to break into a crying face any second.

Uses 'sou da' to indicate appearance/probability.

卒業式では、あちこちで泣き顔が見られた。

At the graduation ceremony, crying faces could be seen everywhere.

Passive form 'mirareta' used for general observation.

彼の泣き顔には、言葉にできないほどの絶望がにじみ出ていた。

Despair beyond words was seeping out from his crying face.

Uses 'nijimideite' (seeping out/exuding).

人前で泣き顔を見せることは、彼にとって最大の恥辱だった。

Showing a crying face in public was the greatest humiliation for him.

Noun clause ending in 'koto'.

彼女の泣き顔を拭ってやりたい衝動に駆られた。

I was seized by the urge to wipe her crying face.

Compound verb 'shite yaritai' (want to do for someone) and 'shoudou ni karareta'.

普段は厳しい上司の泣き顔を見て、部下たちは驚きを隠せなかった。

Seeing the usually strict boss's crying face, the subordinates could not hide their surprise.

Uses 'kakusenakatta' (could not hide).

その泣き顔は、悲しみというよりはむしろ怒りに満ちていた。

That crying face was filled with anger rather than sadness.

Uses 'to iu yori wa mushiro' (rather than).

ようやく再会できた時、二人は泣き顔で抱き合った。

When they finally reunited, the two embraced with crying faces.

Using 'de' to describe the state during an action.

鏡に映った自分の泣き顔が、あまりにも情けなくて目をそらした。

The crying face of mine reflected in the mirror was so pathetic that I looked away.

Uses 'amari ni mo ... te' for excessive result.

赤ん坊の泣き顔は、時として芸術的な美しささえ感じさせる。

A baby's crying face sometimes even makes one feel an artistic beauty.

Uses 'kanjisaseru' (causative: makes one feel).

彼女の泣き顔の裏に隠された真意を、彼は見抜くことができなかった。

He was unable to see through to the true intention hidden behind her crying face.

Uses 'ura ni kakusareta' (hidden behind).

その凄惨な泣き顔は、目撃者の心に深いトラウマを植え付けた。

That gruesome crying face planted a deep trauma in the hearts of the witnesses.

Uses 'ue tsuketa' (planted/instilled).

沈黙の中に、彼女の泣き顔だけが雄弁に真実を語っていた。

In the silence, only her crying face spoke the truth eloquently.

Metaphorical use of 'yuuben ni kataru' (speak eloquently).

彼は、自らの弱さを象徴する泣き顔を、鉄の仮面の下に封印した。

He sealed his crying face, which symbolized his own weakness, beneath an iron mask.

Highly literary structure with 'fuiin shita' (sealed).

戦火の中、逃げ惑う人々の泣き顔が、報道写真として世界に配信された。

Amidst the flames of war, the crying faces of people fleeing were distributed to the world as news photographs.

Passive 'haishin sareta' (was distributed).

老いた母の泣き顔を正視できず、彼はただうつむくしかなかった。

Unable to look directly at his old mother's crying face, he could only look down.

Uses 'seishi dekizu' (unable to look directly).

それは、単なる悲しみを超越した、悟りにも似た泣き顔であった。

It was a crying face that transcended mere sadness, resembling enlightenment.

Uses 'chouetsu shita' (transcended).

虚飾を剥ぎ取った後に残ったのは、剥き出しの泣き顔だけであった。

What remained after stripping away the affectations was only a bare crying face.

Uses 'kyoshoku o hagitotta' (stripped away ostentation).

その彫像が湛える泣き顔は、人類共通の原罪を体現しているかのようだった。

The crying face that the statue wore seemed to embody the original sin common to all humanity.

Uses 'tataeru' (to wear an expression) and 'taigen shite iru' (embodying).

文豪はその短編において、泣き顔の描写のみで、崩壊する家庭の悲劇を描き切った。

In that short story, the great writer depicted the tragedy of a collapsing family solely through the description of crying faces.

Uses 'egaki kitta' (depicted completely).

自己愛に満ちた彼女にとって、泣き顔さえも他者を操るための精巧な舞台装置に過ぎなかった。

For her, filled with narcissism, even a crying face was nothing more than an elaborate stage prop to manipulate others.

Uses 'butai souchi ni suginakatta' (was nothing more than a stage set/device).

荒廃した都市の片隅で、泥にまみれた子供の泣き顔が、文明の終焉を告げていた。

In a corner of the devastated city, the mud-stained crying face of a child signaled the end of civilization.

Uses 'shuuen o bugetei ta' (signaling the demise).

能面のように無機質な日常を打ち破るのは、時としてこのような剥き出しの泣き顔である。

It is sometimes such a raw crying face that breaks through the inorganic daily life that resembles a Noh mask.

Metaphorical contrast with 'noumen' (Noh mask).

彼は、愛する者の泣き顔を記憶の澱に沈め、二度と思い出さないことを誓った。

He sank the crying face of his beloved into the dregs of his memory and swore never to remember it again.

Highly poetic 'kioku no ori' (dregs of memory).

深淵をのぞき込む者の泣き顔は、もはやこの世の色彩を失っていた。

The crying face of one peering into the abyss had already lost the colors of this world.

Allusion to Nietzsche's abyss.

万感の思いが交錯するその泣き顔には、生への執着と死への諦念が同居していた。

In that crying face where a myriad of emotions intersected, a clinging to life and a resignation to death coexisted.

Uses 'bankan no omoi' (flood of emotions) and 'doukyo shite ita' (coexisted).

Common Collocations

泣き顔を見せる

泣き顔を隠す

ひどい泣き顔

泣き顔を作る

泣き顔になる

美しい泣き顔

泣き顔を拭う

泣き顔を思い出す

泣き顔が浮かぶ

赤ちゃんの泣き顔

Common Phrases

泣き顔一つ見せない

— Not showing even a single sign of a crying face; staying very strong.

彼は辛い時でも泣き顔一つ見せなかった。

泣き顔が板につく

— To look natural making a crying face (often said of actors).

あの子役は泣き顔が板についている。

泣き顔が似合う

— To look 'good' or characteristic when crying (rare, mostly literary/artistic).

彼女はどこか泣き顔が似合う人だ。

泣き顔に免じて

— To forgive someone because of their tearful face.

彼女の泣き顔に免じて、今回は許してあげよう。

泣き顔で訴える

— To appeal or complain while having a crying face.

子供が泣き顔で「お腹が空いた」と訴えてきた。

泣き顔を見られる

— To have one's crying face seen (often implies embarrassment).

泣き顔を見られるのが一番嫌だ。

泣き顔を晒す

— To expose one's crying face (often suggests a lack of dignity).

人前で泣き顔を晒すなんて考えられない。

泣き顔を抑える

— To suppress the expression of crying.

必死に泣き顔を抑えて、笑顔を作った。

泣き顔をぬぐう

— To wipe away the crying face (tears and expression).

彼は泣き顔をぬぐって、立ち上がった。

泣き顔のまま

— In the state of having a crying face.

彼女は泣き顔のまま、眠ってしまった。

Often Confused With

泣き顔 vs 泣き声 (nakigoe)

Nakigoe is the sound/voice of crying. Nakigao is the physical face.

泣き顔 vs 泣き虫 (nakimushi)

Nakimushi is a person who cries easily (crybaby). Nakigao is just the face itself.

泣き顔 vs 涙 (namida)

Namida are the actual tears. Nakigao is the entire facial expression.

Idioms & Expressions

"泣き面に蜂"

— Misfortune on top of misfortune (literally: a bee on a crying face).

財布を忘れた上に雨まで降ってきて、まさに泣き面に蜂だ。

Common Idiom

"泣き顔を地で行く"

— To be the very definition of a crying face; to be constantly sad.

彼は最近、泣き顔を地で行くような生活をしている。

Informal

"泣き顔を売る"

— To use one's tears to get what they want; to sell the 'crying face'.

彼女は泣き顔を売って、みんなの助けを得ている。

Critical/Slang

"泣き顔を見せるは一生の恥"

— Showing a crying face is a lifelong shame (exaggerated stoicism).

武士にとって、泣き顔を見せるは一生の恥とされた。

Archaic/Dramatic

"泣き顔に追い打ちをかける"

— To deal another blow to someone already crying.

泣き顔に追い打ちをかけるようなひどい言葉を言った。

Neutral

"泣き顔が晴れる"

— For a crying face to clear up (stop crying and feel better).

お菓子をあげると、子供の泣き顔がすぐに晴れた。

Neutral

"泣き顔を引っ込める"

— To stop crying and pull back the crying expression.

彼は慌てて泣き顔を引っ込めた。

Informal

"泣き顔に泥を塗る"

— To further humiliate someone who is already in a state of crying/defeat.

負けて泣いている彼に、さらに泥を塗るような真似はよせ。

Literary

"泣き顔が様になる"

— To look picturesque or 'correct' even while crying.

あの女優は泣き顔が本当に様になる。

Praising

"泣き顔で逃げる"

— To run away while crying (implies losing or being overwhelmed).

彼は泣き顔でその場から逃げ出した。

Neutral

Easily Confused

泣き顔 vs 笑顔 (egao)

Both end in 'gao' and describe facial states.

Egao is for smiling/happiness; Nakigao is for crying/sadness.

泣き顔から笑顔に変わった。

泣き顔 vs 寝顔 (negao)

Phonetically similar structure.

Negao is a sleeping face.

子供の寝顔は天使のようだ。

泣き顔 vs 横顔 (yokogao)

Phonetically similar structure.

Yokogao is a side profile of a face.

彼女の横顔を眺める。

泣き顔 vs 素顔 (sugao)

Phonetically similar structure.

Sugao is a face without makeup or one's true self.

彼女の素顔を初めて見た。

泣き顔 vs 変顔 (hengao)

Phonetically similar structure.

Hengao is a funny or weird face made on purpose.

みんなで変顔をして写真を撮った。

Sentence Patterns

[Person] の泣き顔です。

赤ちゃんの泣き顔です。

[Person] の泣き顔を見ました。

友達の泣き顔を見ました。

泣き顔を隠します。

手で泣き顔を隠します。

[Adjective] 泣き顔をしている。

ひどい泣き顔をしている。

泣き顔を見せないように [Action]。

泣き顔を見せないように、下を向いた。

泣き顔のまま [Action]。

泣き顔のまま、彼は部屋を出た。

泣き顔を晒すのは [Reason]。

泣き顔を晒すのは、彼にとって屈辱だった。

[Noun] が湛える泣き顔。

その彫像が湛える泣き顔は悲しげだ。

Word Family

Nouns

泣き顔 (nakigao)

泣き声 (nakigoe)

泣き虫 (nakimushi - crybaby)

泣き所 (nakidokoro - weak point)

Verbs

泣く (naku - to cry)

泣かせる (nakaseru - to make someone cry)

泣き出す (nakidasu - to burst into tears)

泣き叫ぶ (nakisakebu - to scream and cry)

Adjectives

泣き出しそうな (nakidashisou na - looking about to cry)

涙もろい (namidamoroi - easily moved to tears)

涙 (namida - tears)

悲鳴 (himei - scream)

嗚咽 (oetsu - sobbing)

感涙 (kanrui - tears of gratitude)

号泣 (goukyuu - wailing)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in media, high in daily life (especially regarding children or close friends).

Common Mistakes

Using 'nakikao' instead of 'nakigao'. → 泣き顔 (nakigao)
This is a failure to apply rendaku, which is essential in this compound word.
Saying 'nakigao o kiku' (to hear a crying face). → 泣き声を聞く (nakigoe o kiku)
You cannot hear a face; you hear a voice or sound.
Using 'nakigao' as a verb like 'nakigao suru'. → 泣き顔をしている (nakigao o shite iru)
Nakigao is a noun and needs the object marker 'o' or to be part of a description.
Using 'nakigao' when you just mean the person is sad. → 悲しそうな顔 (kanashisou na kao)
Nakigao specifically implies the physical act of crying or having cried.
Forgetting the 'no' in 'Kanojo nakigao'. → 彼女の泣き顔 (Kanojo no nakigao)
Nouns modifying nouns require the particle 'no'.

Tips

Remember Rendaku

Always voice the 'k' to 'g'. This applies to most 'face' compounds like egao and yokogao.

Vulnerability

Showing a nakigao is a significant emotional event in Japanese social contexts.

Sound vs. Sight

Use 'nakigoe' for sound and 'nakigao' for what you see with your eyes.

Kanji Practice

Practice the kanji for 'face' (顔) as it is used in many common words.

Intensity

Use 'hidoi nakigao' to describe someone who is really bawling.

Poetic Alternative

Try using 'namidagao' in your writing to sound more sophisticated or poetic.

Affectionate Term

Use 'nakibeso' when talking to or about children to sound more natural.

Drama Focus

Notice how close-ups in Japanese dramas often linger on the 'nakigao' to evoke empathy.

Intimacy

Understand that seeing someone's nakigao often means you are close to them.

Pitch Accent

Keep the pitch flat (Heiban) for a native-like sound.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a person who is 'NAKI' (knocking) on the door of their 'GAO' (goal/face) with tears. They are 'Nacking' on their 'Gao'.

Visual Association

Visualize a classic anime character with giant sparkling 'tears' on their 'face'. Associate the sparkle with 'naki' and the face with 'gao'.

Word Web

泣く (Verb) 顔 (Noun) 涙 (Result) 悲しい (Emotion) 笑顔 (Opposite) 泣き声 (Sound) ハンカチ (Tool for it) ドラマ (Context)

Challenge

Try to describe three different types of 'nakigao' (e.g., a baby's, an actor's, a winner's) using Japanese adjectives.

Word Origin

A compound of the Japanese words 'naki' (the continuative form of the verb 'naku', meaning to cry) and 'kao' (meaning face). This type of compound is standard in Yamato Kotoba (native Japanese vocabulary).

Original meaning: The physical appearance of a person engaged in the act of weeping.

Japonic / Native Japanese.

Cultural Context

Avoid pointing out someone's 'nakigao' in a professional setting as it can be seen as highlighting their loss of composure, which may cause 'loss of face' (menboku).

In many English-speaking cultures, crying is also personal, but the specific term 'crying face' is used less frequently than the verb 'crying' itself. Japanese focuses more on the 'face' as a noun.

The 'Kimi no Na wa' (Your Name) movie poster/scenes often focus on the characters' nakigao. The phrase 'Nakigao de sayonara' (Goodbye with a crying face) is a common trope in J-Pop lyrics. The idiom 'Nakitsura ni hachi' (also 'Nakigao ni hachi') is a famous proverb.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family

赤ちゃんの泣き顔
弟の泣き顔
泣き顔を拭いてあげる
そんな泣き顔しないで

Romance/Drama

君の泣き顔を見たくない
泣き顔も綺麗だ
彼女の泣き顔を思い出す
泣き顔を隠す

Literature

悲痛な泣き顔
泣き顔を晒す
泣き顔が目に浮かぶ
静かな泣き顔

Sports

敗者の泣き顔
悔し泣き顔
感動の泣き顔
泣き顔でインタビューに答える

Social Media

泣き顔自撮り (Crying face selfie)
映画で泣き顔になった
泣き顔スタンプ
泣き顔注意 (Warning: crying face)

Conversation Starters

"最近、映画を見て泣き顔になったことはありますか？"

"赤ちゃんの泣き顔と笑顔、どちらが好きですか？"

"友達の泣き顔を見た時、どうしますか？"

"人前で泣き顔を見せるのは恥ずかしいと思いますか？"

"どんな時に泣き顔を隠したくなりますか？"

Journal Prompts

今日、泣き顔の誰かを見かけましたか？その時どう感じましたか？

最後に泣き顔を誰かに見せたのはいつですか？その理由は何でしたか？

泣き顔を隠すために、あなたなら何をしますか？

日本のドラマやアニメで印象に残っている泣き顔のシーンについて書いてください。

『泣き顔』という言葉を使って、短い物語を作ってください。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, you can. While it usually implies sadness, you can specify 'ureshinaki no nakigao' (a crying face from joy). Without context, however, most people assume sadness.

In modern standard Japanese, no. Rendaku (voicing the 'k' to 'g') is mandatory for this compound word. Saying 'nakikao' will mark you as a beginner.

'Nakigao' is the general term for a crying face. 'Namidagao' is more poetic and focuses on the tears themselves. You find 'namidagao' more in literature and lyrics.

You wouldn't usually say 'Don't crying face.' You would say 'Nakanai de' (Don't cry). However, you can say 'Sonna nakigao shinaide' (Don't make that crying face).

It is rarely used for animals because it focuses on human facial expressions. For animals, you would usually just say 'naku' (to cry/howl/chirp).

It can be. It's like saying 'You look like you've been crying.' If they are trying to hide it, pointing it out might be insensitive.

It means to 'make' or 'fake' a crying face. It can be used for actors or for someone pretending to be sad to get sympathy.

Extremely common. It is a key part of emotional 'sakuga' (animation quality) and character development.

The most direct opposite is 'egao' (smiling face).

No, it is strictly a noun. You must use it with a verb like 'suru', 'miseru', or 'miru'.