赤面する
sekimen suru
To blush in Japanese is 赤面する (sekimen suru). Wiktionary also lists 紅潮する (kōchō suru).
Meaning: to redden or pinken in the face from shame, shyness, excitement, or embarrassment (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 赤面する | sekimen suru |
| 紅潮する | kōchō suru |
The Japanese language has different ways to express blushing depending on whether the reddening is caused by negative emotions or a general state of excitement and health. You can use the noun forms 赤面 or 紅潮 to refer to the act of blushing itself, or use 淡紅色 to refer to a pale red color.
What does it mean word for word?
The noun 赤面 (sekimen) is composed of the kanji for 'red' (赤) and 'face' (面).
Which one should you use?
赤面する is typically used when someone blushes due to shame, embarrassment or social awkwardness. In contrast, 紅潮する is used for a more general or positive reddening of the face, such as a healthy glow, excitement or a feverish flush.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
赤面する is a formal, somewhat literary term often used in writing rather than casual conversation.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
sekimen suru
Did you know?
- Japanese has a concept called 照れ隠し (terekakushi), which refers to the act of hiding one's blush or embarrassment by acting grumpy or indifferent.
- In Japanese pop culture, specifically in manga and anime, a blush is often depicted not just as a color change, but by drawing small, diagonal lines across the cheeks to represent the sensation.
- In traditional Japanese aesthetics, a slight flush of the cheeks is often associated with the 'hidden' emotions of modesty, which is considered a highly desirable trait in social harmony.
Examples in context
- 彼女は恥ずかしそうにほほえみながら頬を赤らめた。She blushed with a shy smile on her face.
- 彼女の言葉に彼は恥ずかしそうに顔を赤くした。Her words made him blush.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “blush” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
