Expresses distress, regret, or emotional discomfort. It’s the “oh no…” face — showing that something feels wrong, awkward, or unexpectedly upsetting. Often used when you sympathize with someone’s trouble or admit your own mistake.
Your friend just told you they accidentally sent a risky text to their crush.
Oh nooo 😧 that’s the worst feeling ever
Sometimes used for empathetic reactions — like showing you feel someone’s pain or secondhand embarrassment.
In Korean online chats, 😧 may convey emotional tension or an “uh-oh” moment, often paired with expressions like “헉” (gasp!) or “어…” (uh…) to show mild alarm rather than deep anguish.
Avoid using 😧 in positive contexts; it reads as emotional strain or regret, not just surprise.
See what they share and how they differ to choose the right one.
Both have wide eyes and furrowed brows suggesting alarm. 😧 conveys distress and regret, a sinking recognition that something feels wrong. 😰 reads tenser and more physically strained. The sweat drop adds an immediate sense of nervous pressure. It feels less resigned and more urgently panicked. The tone shifts from sympathetic discomfort to active anxiety. The anxious face suggests impending stress and a hope it will pass, while the anguished face sits in regret and awkward pain.
You might use 😧 to sympathize with someone’s disappointment or to admit a personal mistake with regret. You might use 😰 to show you’re stressed, scared, or urgently worried about a situation worsening; choose based on whether the feeling is sorrowful/regretful (😧) or anxious/pressured (😰).
Both share a startled mouth and wide eyes. 😧 expresses stronger distress and regret, a sense that something feels severely wrong. 😦 registers a milder shock and quiet disappointment, more like a moment of dawning concern. The tone of 😦 is softer and less panicked, reserved rather than overwhelmed. It conveys surprise that cools quickly, while 😧 holds ongoing emotional discomfort and awkwardness.
You feel bad about a mistake or want to express sympathy for someone’s trouble, use 😧 to convey clear distress or regret. You notice something troubling but want to respond with mild surprise or quiet concern, use 😦 to signal subdued shock or disappointment.
Related emojis that share similar meanings or usage.
