Translation and Meaning of: 頬 - hoo

The Japanese word 「頬」 (hoo) refers to the part of the face known as the cheek. This part of the body is essential in non-verbal communication, expressing emotions through blushing, smiling, and other facial expressions. 「頬」 is composed of the kanji 「頁」 (which represents a leaf or page, but here acts more as a phonetic) and 「⺢」 or 「肌」 (skin), suggesting the idea of a part of the face, characterized by the softness of the skin.

「頬」 has variations in its reading and use, and can also be read as 「ほっぺた」 (hoppeta), which is a more colloquial or childlike way of referring to cheeks in Japanese. This alternative reading emerged from dialectal and affectionate forms, demonstrating how language can vary depending on social and regional contexts. In Japanese culture, cheeks are often associated with affectionate gestures, like gentle pinches given to children, symbolizing care or affection.

Historically, the emphasis on cheeks can be seen since the Edo period in Japan, where makeup and facial expressions played an important role in the art of kabuki theater and other cultural traditions. Geishas, for example, used makeup to enhance their cheeks, contributing to an expressive and elegant appearance. This enhancement brings a touch of liveliness and health through the subtle use of colors, which are part of not only beautification but also silent communication between artists and spectators.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• ほほ (hoho) - Angle or side part of the face
• ほお (hoo) - Part of the face, usually refers to the cheek in a broader context.
• ほっぺ (hoppe) - Bochecha, often used in a friendly or informal way
• ほっぺた (hoppeta) - Bochecha, a more colloquial term, can evoke a cuter image.

頬

Romaji: hoo
Kana: ほお
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: cheek (of face)

Meaning in English: cheek (of face)

Definition: Cheeks: Cheeks on each side of the face.

Example Sentences - (頬) hoo

See below some example sentences:

頬っぺたが赤くなった。

Hohooppeta ga akaku natta

My cheeks turned red.

• 頬っぺた - cheeks
• が - subject particle
• 赤く - red
• なった - became

私の頬は赤くなりました。

Watashi no hoho wa akaku narimashita

My cheeks turned red.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - Japanese particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 頬 - Japanese word that means "cheek"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 赤く - Japanese adverb that means "red."
• なりました - japanese verb that means "became"