Face Reading
Glossary

In Mian Xiang, each facial region governs a specific age period. Ears 1-14, forehead 15-30, brows-eyes 31-40, nose 41-50, chin 61+.

Represent power, authority and capacity for social influence. Prominent cheekbones signal leadership potential and strong presence. In Mian Xiang they govern ages 46-47.

Represents determination, later life and emotional resilience. A strong chin indicates willpower, a round chin social skills. In Mian Xiang governs ages 61+.

With prominent cheekbones, symbolizes an original, independent and naturally leading personality. Indicates rule-breaking creativity and unconventional thinking. A rare and powerful shape.

Represent memory of ages 1-14, listening skill and inner wisdom. Ear shape, size and position reflect the foundation of character. Tradition links long ears with a solid foundation and wisdom.

Symbol of siblinghood, social energy, and emotional intensity. Eyebrow shape, density and alignment reveal the social aspect of character. In Mian Xiang they represent the age range 31-34.

Known as the mirror of the soul, eyes reflect emotional depth, intuition and inner world. Eye shape, color and position are the most crucial elements in character analysis.

The overall skin tone and regional color variations of the face. Tradition reads redness as anger or excitement, paleness as tiredness and a need for rest, and lively pink tones as energy balance.

Wrinkles and expression lines that form throughout life. Horizontal forehead lines reflect responsibility, crow's feet indicate joy, lines around the lips reflect communication style.

The similarity between the right and left halves of the face. High symmetry reflects inner balance; asymmetry reflects emotional experiences in life. Tradition reads it as a reflection of character.

Dividing the face into three equal sections: upper (forehead), middle (brows to nose tip), lower (nose tip to chin). The dominance of each section indicates different character traits.

The face-reading tradition in the cultural history of the Islamic world. This art combines inner intuition with outer observation.

Face types according to Mian Xiang's element system: Wood (long), Fire (thin and pointed), Earth (broad and full), Metal (square), and Water (round). Each type presents a different character.

The five elements forming the basis of character analysis in Chinese physiognomy: eyebrows (sociability), eyes (intuition), nose (will), lips (communication), and ears (listening).

Broad forehead indicates intellectual tendency, round forehead artistic sensitivity, sloped forehead practical intelligence, M-shaped forehead creativity. Tradition reads forehead shape not as a measure but as a hint about one's style of thinking.

Broad forehead and pointed chin form a romantic, creative and intuitive character. Reflects artistic sensitivity and personal magnetism. Heart-faced people offer aesthetic richness.

The side profile and shape of the jaw. A sharp jawline indicates determination and strength, a soft jawline harmony and flexibility. Considered the physical reflection of character.

Ottoman physiognomy literature. Lokman Çelebi's 16th-century work is the most famous example of this tradition. Defined as the art of reading a person's inner world from their outer appearance.

Symbolize communication style, emotional expression and warmth. Full lips indicate emotional richness, thin lips a practical communication style.

Represents an analytical, detail-oriented and serious character. Reflects an academic, investigative and philosophical inclination. Long-faced people offer depth and discipline.

The area directly above the eyebrows. Represents observational power, connection to the outer world, and short-term memory. Tradition reads a prominent lower forehead as a practical way of thinking.

The Chinese physiognomy tradition. Systematized by Guiguzi in the 6th century BCE, this art divides the face into 100 regions, each governing a specific life-age period.

The central section of the forehead. Tradition links it with analytical thinking, logical reasoning and the way decisions are made. A smooth, bright mid-forehead is read as mental clarity.

Facial moles amplify the theme of the region where they appear. A mole on the forehead indicates visionary tendency, next to the lip communicative power, on the chin determination.

Represents willpower, ego, career potential and relationship with money. In Mian Xiang tradition governs the age 41-50. Tradition links nose shape with resources and success.

The classic face shape reflecting balanced, diplomatic and harmonious character. Proportional features indicate social appeal and mediator role. Considered the ideal shape in face analysis.

The groove between the nose and upper lip. Tradition links it with lineage, creativity and vitality. A deep, clear philtrum is read as strong life energy.

Aristotle's 4th-century BCE physiognomy work. The first systematic Western physiognomy text, inferring character through animal likenesses.

Represents a warm, social and cheerful nature. Tradition links it with empathy and emotional warmth, and reads it as ease in communication and enjoyment of group energy.

Symbolizes strong-willed, determined and practical character. Tradition reads sharp jaw lines as a leaning toward leadership, strategic thinking and practical problem-solving.

Energies attributed to three facial regions in Taoist physiognomy: Shen (spirit-eyes), Qi (breath-nose), and Jing (essence-chin). Balance of the three treasures reflects vital force.

The area just beneath the hairline. Represents philosophical thought, long-term vision, and idealistic outlook. Tradition reads a broad upper forehead as a leaning toward abstract thinking.