The second part of the word ‘Gao’ is respectively Kao Kanji and Japanese for the face, whereas in the first part it is not possible to be made in Kanji. In Katakana, there is a short name for ah, which describes a panting or a moaning sound. Ahegao can be translated as a moaning, panting or strange face.

Ahegao should not be confused with ahoge which is a hair antenna that became popular in the Love Hina Anime series. Another word that is similar to Ahegao, in Japanese, is Ikigao which means face is coming.

The difference between Ahegao Face and Ikigao is a more realistic drawing style to illustrate the face of Ikigao, which is to be found in more mainstream functions.