頤
otogai
The English word 'chin' translates to Japanese as 顎 or 頤 (otogai).
Meaning: bottom of a face (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 頤 | otogai | |
| 顎 | ago | [a̠ɡo̞] (narrow) [ɡa̠kɯ̟] (narrow) |
Both words refer to the bottom part of the face.
Which one should you use?
頤 (otogai) is a highly formal or literary term for chin and is rarely used in daily speech.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 顎 (ago) is a noun that does not change its form for plural or possessive functions. Instead, particles like の (no) are used to indicate possession.
How do you pronounce it?
otogai
Did you know?
- The term 顎 (ago) is frequently used in the phrase 顎を出す (ago o dasu), which literally means 'to put out one's chin' but describes a specific facial expression of arrogance or defiance.
- In traditional Japanese arts like Kabuki, specific chin and jaw movements are used to convey intense emotion or anger, often involving a stylized jutting of the 顎.
- The word 顎 is used in the term 顎を引く (ago o hiku), which means 'to draw in the chin'. This is a standard instruction in Japanese martial arts and etiquette to maintain a disciplined posture.
Examples in context
- 顎がカクカクする。His chin is defined.This sentence is useful for describing a defined jawline using 顎.Tatoeba #8557856 by e4zh1nmcz, translation #9366090 by DJ_Saidez
- 少年は少女の顎に軽く触れ、頬にキスをした。The boy caressed the girl's chin and kissed her cheek.This sentence is useful for describing a physical touch involving the chin using 顎.Tatoeba #1827975 by bunbuku, translation #483382 by Eckhardtgabriel
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Himari is observing Ren's facial features.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮さんは頤がしっかりしていますね。Ren-san wa otoagai ga shikkari shite imasu ne.Ren, you have a strong chin.
- 蓮 Renそうですか？気にしたことはなかったです。Sō desu ka? Ki ni shita koto wa nakatta desu.Really? I've never thought about it.
- 陽葵 Himariとても意志が強そうに見えます。Totemo ishi ga tsuyosō ni miemasu.It makes you look very determined.
- 蓮 Ren褒め言葉として受け取っておきます。Homekotoba to shite uketotte okimasu.I'll take that as a compliment.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chin” translations and entries 頤, 顎, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
