化粧（けしょう、keshou）
- makeup

The Japanese word 化粧, pronounced けしょう (keshou), primarily refers to "makeup" or "cosmetics." However, its meaning extends beyond just the products themselves. It encompasses the act of applying makeup, the process of beautifying oneself, and the overall concept of enhancing one's appearance. It's about using various products and techniques to improve facial features and create a desired look. It can also refer to skincare in certain contexts, though it's more specifically about cosmetics.

⚫︎化粧品を買う。 Translation: I buy cosmetics. ⚫︎毎朝、化粧をする。 Translation: I do my makeup every morning. ⚫︎化粧が濃い。 Translation: The makeup is heavy/thick.

You can use 化粧 in a variety of situations. ⚫︎When talking about the products themselves, like foundation, lipstick, and eyeshadow. ⚫︎When describing the action of applying makeup to your face. ⚫︎When discussing someone's appearance and the makeup they're wearing. ⚫︎It's a versatile word, suitable for both formal and informal conversations.

化粧 is typically written with the kanji 化粧 or the hiragana けしょう. The kanji is the most common and preferred way to write it. The okurigana (the suffix hiragana) is always しょう. Katakana is not used for 化粧.

⚫︎メイク (meiku): This is a loanword from English "makeup." It's a more casual term. ⚫︎お化粧 (o-keshou): This is the more polite version of 化粧, often used when speaking to someone of a higher social status.

While there isn't a direct antonym, words or phrases associated with not wearing makeup can be considered opposites. ⚫︎すっぴん (suppin): This word means "bare face" or "without makeup".

今日の化粧はいつもより時間がかかった。 ・Translation: Today's makeup took longer than usual. ・Explanation: This sentence describes the time spent on applying makeup, highlighting a difference from the usual routine.

新しい化粧品を試してみよう。 ・Translation: Let's try out some new cosmetics. ・Explanation: This sentence is an invitation to experiment with new makeup products.

The kanji 化 means "to change" or "to transform," and the kanji 粧 means "to adorn" or "to make up." Together, they literally mean "to transform by adorning." The word reflects the fundamental purpose of makeup: to change one's appearance through beautification.