顰蹙(ひんしゅく)

ひんしゅく
noun
frown, disapproval, disfavor
formalwrittenspokenemotionsociety
1. frown, disapproval, disfavor
The expression of displeasure or disapproval, typically shown through frowning. Most commonly used in the phrase 顰蹙(ひんしゅく)を買(か)う (to incur someone's displeasure).
顰蹙(ひんしゅく)を買(か)う。
To incur disapproval / to be frowned upon.
彼(かれ)の発言(はつげん)は顰蹙(ひんしゅく)を買(か)った。
His remarks incurred disapproval.
周囲(しゅうい)の顰蹙(ひんしゅく)を買(か)うような行動(こうどう)は控(ひか)えるべきだ。
You should refrain from behavior that would be frowned upon by others.
顰蹙(ひんしゅく)ものの振(ふ)る舞(ま)い。
Behavior that invites disapproval.

顰蹙(ひんしゅく) uses two rare kanji meaning "to frown" (顰(ひん)) and "to knit one's brows" (蹙(しゅく)). The word almost always appears in set phrases.

Key expression

  • 顰蹙(ひんしゅく)を買(か)う (to incur disapproval, be frowned upon - literally: "to buy frowns")

Other patterns

  • 顰蹙(ひんしゅく)もの (something that invites disapproval)
  • 顰蹙(ひんしゅく)を招(まね)く (to invite disapproval)

Usage notes

  • Describes social disapproval, not personal anger
  • Often used when someone's behavior violates social norms or expectations

Related words

general
Added 2026.2.2 0:18 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
09000/09463_hinshuku