Visage vs. figure
Understanding the nuances between 'visage' and 'figure' when referring to the face in French is essential for proper usage in various contexts.
Visage
The word 'visage' generally refers to the face or facial expression of a person, often emphasizing the physical features or expressions.
Son visage s'illumine quand elle sourit.
(Her face lights up when she smiles.)
Le visage de l'enfant était couvert de taches de rousseur.
(The child's face was covered in freckles.)
Il avait un visage émacié après la maladie.
(He had a gaunt face after the illness.)
Figure
'Figure' can also mean face, but it is less commonly used in contemporary French. It tends to be more literary or formal and can imply someone's face as it is associated with their identity or personality.
Elle a une figure douce qui inspire confiance.
(She has a gentle face that inspires trust.)
Dans le roman, l'auteur décrit minutieusement la figure de l'héroïne.
(In the novel, the author describes the heroine's face in great detail.)
Sa figure est gravée dans ma mémoire.
(His face is etched in my memory.)
Summary
'Visage' and 'figure' both refer to the face but have different connotations and usages. 'Visage' is more common and broadly used, emphasizing physical appearance or expressions, while 'figure' has a formal or literary flavor, often related to identity or character.