頬

Glyph origin
Japanese shinjitai.

– part of the head.

Kanji

 * : cheeks

Usage notes
The kyūjitai form was added to the Jōyō kanji list in 2010. This character form remains in common use.

Etymology 1
→ →

From. Appears in the mid- dictionary  (938 ).

Noun

 * 1)  cheek

Etymology 2
→

Derived from hoho above.

Noun

 * 1)  cheek

Usage notes
The reading hō is more common when used as a standalone noun.

Etymology 3
Of same origin as. Extending from the meaning of "lineup", the meaning changed to indicate the side of the items lined up. In reference to people, this came to mean the cheeks as the side of the face, and then by extension the face as a whole.

Noun

 * 1) the cheeks
 * 2) the face (usually written )
 * 3) one's facial expression
 * 4) the side of something
 * 5) the surface or front of something
 * 6) one's honor: "face" as in save face or lose face

Etymology 4
Used as ateji in various names.