1.
facial expression, look
The appearance of the face that conveys emotion or mood.
彼女は悲しい表情をしていた。
She had a sad expression on her face.
表情から本心を読み取る。
To read someone's true feelings from their expression.
彼は無表情のまま話し続けた。
He continued talking with a blank expression.
無表情 = expressionless
表情 refers specifically to facial expressions — the look on someone's face that conveys emotion or mood. It does not cover body language or gestures.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 表情を見せる: to show an expression
- 表情を変える: to change one's expression
- 表情を読む: to read someone's expression
- 表情が豊か: expressive (rich in facial expressions)
- 表情が硬い: having a stiff/tense expression
COMMON COMPOUNDS:
- 無表情: expressionless, blank-faced
- 表情筋: facial muscles
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 顔つき: facial look or features (more casual, can include permanent features)
- 表情: specifically the emotional expression shown on the face (temporary state)