（If this post doesn't relate to the thread, I apologize.）
While studying English recently, I was surprised by something I heard on an English-language YouTube channel and podcast. A YouTuber shared their experience of being told “you have a small head（頭が小さいね）” while in Japan—and they didn’t take it as a compliment. But in Japan, saying someone has a “small head” is actually considered praise.
In Western countries, “small head” might imply that someone is unintelligent or narrow-minded. But in Japan, it’s a way of complimenting someone’s appearance, especially their proportions or style. Many Japanese people have historically felt that their shorter height can make their heads look relatively large, which can be seen as undesirable. So, someone with a “small head” is often seen as well-proportioned or stylish.
There’s even a somewhat negative term in Japanese, atama-dekkachi (頭でっかち), which literally means “big-headed.” It doesn’t refer to physical size alone, but rather to someone who is overly intellectual, stuck in their own thinking, and not very adaptable or action-oriented.
Another similar term is kogao (小顔), which means “small face.” This is commonly used to describe beauty standards, especially for women. A smaller face is thought to make someone look more fashionable or slim—even if they are short—so it’s often considered a desirable trait.
So in Japan, when people refer to “small heads” or “small faces,” they’re usually giving a compliment. On the other hand, “big head” can carry negative connotations, both literally and figuratively. If you're in Japan and someone tells you that you have a small head—it’s likely a good thing! Please don't misunderstand!
by neu_gier