作品Free Graded Reading
容貌My Expanding Face
Yōbō
by 太宰 治 · Dazai Osamu
Dazai hilariously laments his expanding face and the insults it brings.
About this text
About this textA humorous and self-deprecating essay about the author's increasingly large face and the social implications of having a big face, with a memorable encounter at a bar.
Read a sample in Japanese
Read a sample in JapaneseSource
SourceThis text comes from Aozora Bunko (青空文庫), the volunteer-run library of Japanese writing that is out of copyright. See this work on Aozora Bunko
Base edition (底本): 「太宰治全集11」筑摩書房
1999（平成11）年3月25日初版第1刷発行
Typed in by 小林繁雄. Proofread by 阿部哲也.
Yomimaru has edited this text for modern readers. Its Aozora Bunko card has the text as the volunteers entered it.
The furigana are Yomimaru's.
What you'll learn
What you'll learnThe author reflects on his growing face, compares himself to a large-faced historical figure, and recounts a humiliating encounter at a bar where a woman insults his appearance and teeth.
Key vocabulary
Key vocabulary| 一回り (ひとまわり) | a turn; a round; here: a size larger |
|---|---|
| 美男子 (びなんし) | handsome man |
| 荘厳 (そうごん) | solemn; majestic |
| 傲慢 (ごうまん) | arrogance |
| 窮する (きゅうする) | to be at a loss; to be in a dilemma |
Grammar points you'll meet
Grammar points you'll meet- ～たことがある N5Indicates past experience of doing something.容貌については、ひそかに修養したこともあったのだろうと思われる。
- ～という N4Means 'called' or 'saying that'; used to define or quote.美男子というものは、顔が小さくきちんとまとまっているものである。
- ～さえ～ N3Even; emphasizes an extreme case.荘厳でさえあった。
- ～よりほかない N1No choice but to; only way is to.心掛けるよりほかに、仕様がないようである。
Cultural notes
Cultural notes- 浜口雄幸 (Hamaguchi Osachi)A Japanese politician who served as Prime Minister in 1929-1931. Known for his large face and stern demeanor, which Dazai references as a model of dignity.
- 新宿 (Shinjuku)A major commercial and entertainment district in Tokyo. In Dazai's time, it was a lively area with many bars and restaurants, setting for the anecdote.
- 美男子 (Handsome Man) IdealsIn Japan, the ideal of a handsome man often includes a small, well-proportioned face. Dazai humorously contrasts his large face with this standard.
Try a comprehension question
Try a comprehension questionWhat does the author say about people with large faces?
- They should aim for dignity and grandeur.
- They should work on making their faces smaller.
- They are always misunderstood as arrogant.
- They cannot be handsome.
Sensei's reading tip
Sensei's reading tipPay attention to the self-deprecating humor in the author's tone, which is a common feature of Japanese 'I-novels' (私小説).
Topics & grammar
Topics & grammar
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