難色(なんしょく)

なんしょく
noun
reluctance; disapproval; displeasure
formalemotion
1. reluctance; disapproval; displeasure
An expression of unwillingness or opposition, typically shown indirectly through facial expression or attitude rather than outright refusal. Almost always used in the fixed phrase 難色(なんしょく)を示(しめ)す.
上司(じょうし)が難色(なんしょく)を示(しめ)した。
The boss showed reluctance.
相手(あいて)は価格(かかく)に難色(なんしょく)を示(しめ)している。
The other party is showing displeasure with the price.
計画(けいかく)を提案(ていあん)したが、住民(じゅうみん)から難色(なんしょく)を示(しめ)され、見直(みなお)しを迫(せま)られた。
We proposed the plan, but residents expressed their disapproval, and we were forced to reconsider.

Usage

難色(なんしょく) is almost exclusively used in the set phrase 難色(なんしょく)を示(しめ)す (to show reluctance/disapproval). Literally "difficult color" — referring to an unhappy facial expression. It conveys indirect opposition rather than outright refusal, fitting the Japanese cultural pattern of expressing disagreement obliquely.
This word is rarely used outside the 難色(なんしょく)を示(しめ)す pattern. It appears frequently in news and business contexts to describe someone who is not directly refusing but is clearly not happy about a proposal.

Common collocations

Related Words

Homophone: 男色(なんしょく) (male homosexuality)
general
Added 2026.3.2 16:46 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
14500/14585_nanshoku