Japanese meaning of 面目躍如
Reading:
めんもくやくじょ (menmoku yakujo)
English Translation:
Perfectly living up to one’s reputation
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
To live up to one’s reputation in an impressive way.
Cultural Context:
Frequently appears in sports reporting, award ceremonies, and historical accounts in Japan.
評判や名声にふさわしい活躍を見せること。
日本ではスポーツ報道、授賞式、歴史書などでよく使われる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Verb phrase with “する” or “した” to describe vividly demonstrating one’s true ability or reputation (“面目躍如とする”).
• Common in sports, arts, and professional recognition.
Trap for English Speakers
Might be mistaken as just “saving face,” but it means living up to or fully displaying one’s reputation.
Example
Basic Example
今回の演技は彼の面目躍如といえる。
This performance truly reflected his reputation.
Applied Example
決勝戦での逆転弾は、エースの面目躍如だった。
The game-winning shot in the finals was the ace’s moment to truly live up to his name.