Nose Shape and Personality

In Chinese face reading the nose is the "wealth palace": it is read for money, self-esteem and the middle years of life (roughly ages 41 to 50). A straight, full, well-rounded nose is the classic sign of prosperity.

Size and length

Large nose

Bold in thought and action, brave and decisive, patient and tireless; excels at work they love and is generous, though sometimes puts their own interests first.

Small nose

Thoughtful but cautious, preferring to follow a leader before acting. Another reading describes an impatient person who wants to stand out and be recognised. The tradition advises protecting the lungs and never smoking.

Long, straight nose

Far-sighted, reasonable and intelligent, always in step with events; friends trust and respect them. The classic texts say a long, unbroken nose reaching up to the brows marks a leader with good fortune.

Short nose

Very sure of their own ideas, which can lead to mistakes; success comes when confidence is balanced with care.

Broad nose

Healthy and happy, clever and resourceful, a hard worker who plans ahead and thinks long term; often someone special to others.

Thin, narrow nose

Observant and good at reading others, though less aware of how others see them; moods can change easily. The tradition advises good self-care.

Shape

High, full nose

The classic texts call a high, straight, fleshy nose the sign of plenty: wealth, comfort and respect. A full nose with full cheeks on both sides shows a steady person blessed with status and money.

"Lion" nose (broad and fleshy at the tip)

Natural authority, intelligence, honesty and reliability, with happiness later in life. Authority grows the more this person helps others.

Greek nose (straight from the forehead)

Calm, kind to people and animals, peaceful and well mannered, with a love of the arts; loved by all.

Roman nose (with a high bridge)

Bold and determined to succeed, with a commanding presence; career brings struggles, but close friends help. Good health.

High-bridged, prominent nose

Emotional when young, more reasonable with age; very ambitious, proud and quick to sense things.

Hooked nose (tip curving down)

Proud and slow to apologise, quick-tempered and independent; relationships need more give and take.

Upturned nose

Sociable and happiest in a crowd, determined, kind and observant, and progresses well through hard work. Another reading describes someone who loves with their whole heart, so they should choose a partner wisely. Some readings advise care with gossip and keeping secrets.

Drooping nose

Hard to read: keeps feelings private and confides only in trusted people; very patient.

Crooked nose

Readings differ. One describes a confident leader, reasonable, careful and hard to fool; another a life of travel and frequent job changes, with care needed over family finances.

Flat nose

Kind, good-humoured and talkative, loved by everyone and missed wherever they go; suited to trade, their own business or public service. Sensitive, and may need support when hurt.

Low bridge

Prefers to follow others' decisions and needs support in a crisis; building self-confidence and planning ahead are the lessons. A very low, flat bridge belongs to a content, grateful and easy-going person who enjoys a simple life.

Bulbous nose

Easy-going and trusting, so good company is important; the tradition advises moderation with alcohol.

Pointed nose

Sharp and clever, a survivor who knows how to look after their own interests; generosity is the lesson.

Line on the tip of the nose

The old texts warn of financial struggle and advise careful budgeting and avoiding debt.

Nostrils

Large nostrils

Healthy, generous and self-sacrificing; finds it hard to keep secrets and spends freely, yet money always seems to come.

Small nostrils

Quick, sharp and good with numbers, careful with money; the tradition reminds this person to be open and honest in dealings.

Wide nostril wings

Modern and fond of nice things, spends freely but also knows how to save; physically strong.

Narrow nostril wings

Calm, sometimes slow-paced; the tradition advises a healthy diet and care with money.

Groove between nose and lip (philtrum)

Long philtrum

Gets on well with everyone, cheerful and bright, and very patient.

Short philtrum

Impulsive and impatient, acting before thinking; the advice is to slow down and look after body and mind.

Line under the nose

The tradition advises attention to health and patience with children as they grow up.