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 難色を示す.
上司が難色を示した。
The boss showed reluctance.
相手は価格に難色を示している。
The other party is showing displeasure with the price.
計画を提案したが、住民から難色を示され、見直しを迫られた。
We proposed the plan, but residents expressed their disapproval, and we were forced to reconsider.
USAGE:
難色 is almost exclusively used in the set phrase 難色を示す (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.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 難色を示す (to show reluctance/disapproval — the standard expression)
- ～に難色を示す (to show reluctance toward ~)
NOTE:
This word is rarely used outside the 難色を示す 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.