渋面(じゅうめん)

渋面(じゅうめん) describes a facial expression showing displeasure, reluctance, or dissatisfaction — a grimace or sour look.

Etymology

渋(じゅう) (astringent/reluctant, on'yomi of 渋(しぶ)い) + 面(めん) (face)

Common patterns

• 渋面(じゅうめん)を作(つく)る: to make a sour face
• 渋面(じゅうめん)になる: to take on a displeased expression
• 渋面(じゅうめん)で答(こた)える: to answer with a grimace

Similar words

• しかめ面(づら): scowl, frown (more colloquial)
• 苦(にが)い顔(かお): bitter face (everyday expression)
• 不機嫌(ふきげん)な顔(かお): displeased face

Register

渋面(じゅうめん) is a formal, literary word. In everyday conversation, 嫌(いや)な顔(かお) or しかめ面(づら) is more natural. 渋面(じゅうめん) appears frequently in novels and news articles.