1.
composed face; straight face; prim expression
A calm, unruffled facial expression that shows no emotion or reaction. Can imply genuine composure, but often carries a nuance of putting on airs, feigning innocence, or acting as if nothing has happened.
彼女はすました顔で座っていた。
She sat there with a composed expression.
遅刻したのに、すました顔で教室に入ってきた。
Despite being late, he walked into the classroom with a straight face as if nothing had happened.
嘘をついているのに、あんなにすました顔ができるなんて、大した役者だ。
Being able to keep such a straight face while lying — what an actor.
Composed of すました (past form of すます, meaning to compose oneself / put on a prim demeanor) and 顔 (face). The expression often carries an undertone of criticism or irony — the person appears calm or indifferent when they should be showing a reaction, such as embarrassment, guilt, or concern.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- すました顔をする: to put on a composed/straight face
- すました顔で答える: to answer with a straight face
- すました顔で嘘をつく: to lie with a straight face
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 涼しい顔: cool/unfazed expression — similar nuance of showing no reaction
- 無表情: expressionless — neutral, no implied judgment about whether it's put on
- 知らん顔: pretending not to know — specifically feigning ignorance
- 平然とした顔: calm face — more neutral, without the critical nuance