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顔を揃える (kao o soroeru - to have everyone present)

Grammar & Usage

fixed expression

neutral

How it works

This expression uses the noun 顔 (kao, face) as a synecdoche for a person, and 揃える (soroeru, to arrange, to complete a set) as a transitive verb. It literally means 'to align/gather faces,' implying that all necessary or expected people are present at a specific place or event.

Sample sentences

今日の会議には、部長を含め関係者全員が顔を揃えた。

At today's meeting, all relevant personnel, including the section chief, were present.

家族が久しぶりに顔を揃えて、楽しい時間を過ごした。

The family gathered for the first time in a while and had a good time.

そのパーティーには、業界の著名人が多く顔を揃えていた。

Many prominent figures from the industry were present at that party.

Quick facts

nuance:Implies completeness or that a full set of people who should be there are indeed there. Can be used for both small groups and larger gatherings. The 'o' particle marks 顔 as the direct object of the verb 揃える.

Often used with

メンバーが顔を揃える (menbā ga kao o soroeru - members gather)

役者が顔を揃える (yakusha ga kao o soroeru - actors are present)

皆が顔を揃える (minna ga kao o soroeru - everyone gathers)

会議に顔を揃える (kaigi ni kao o soroeru - to be present at a meeting)

Mnemonic

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Example

今日の会議には、部長を含め関係者全員が顔を揃えた。

At today's meeting, all relevant personnel, including the section chief, were present.

家族が久しぶりに顔を揃えて、楽しい時間を過ごした。

The family gathered for the first time in a while and had a good time.