Used when you’re scared, stressed, or under pressure. It’s the “oh no, this is bad” kind of panic—nervous, uneasy, and hoping things don’t get worse.
You realize you sent your boss the wrong file right before a big meeting.
I just noticed my mistake… please tell me they haven’t opened it yet 😰
Can also show nervous anticipation, like waiting for an exam score or a risky reply.
In Japanese chats, 😰 is often used for tense or embarrassing moments, similar to saying “やばい…” (“This is bad…”) or “焦る！” (“I’m panicking!”). It’s less fear of danger, more social or situational anxiety.
Don’t mix 😰 with 😓—😰 is heavier and anxious, while 😓 is more about mild stress or awkward relief.
See what they share and how they differ to choose the right one.
More on frowning face with open mouth
Both 😰 (anxious face with sweat) and 😦 (frowning face with open mouth) convey negative reactions to bad news, discomfort, or unexpected problems, and both can signal that something has gone wrong and you’re emotionally affected; however, 😰 carries a higher-intensity, sweaty, panicked tone—use it for acute fear, stress, or moments of real pressure and urgency where you feel overwhelmed—whereas 😦 is quieter and more reserved, best for mild shock, disappointed realization, or soft concern without full-blown panic, often fitting situations that merit empathy or a subdued “oh” rather than alarm. Emphasize 😦’s tone as contemplative and restrained: it fits messages that need to communicate surprise or sadness without escalating anxiety, such as noticing a mistake, hearing disappointing news, or realizing an awkward oversight, while 😰 suits urgent pleas, frazzled reactions, or high-stakes worry.
Use 😰 if you’re describing immediate fear, stress, or pressure and need to convey urgency and panic. Use 😦 if you want to express mild shock, quiet disappointment, or a subdued realization that something is wrong.
More on downcast face with sweat
😰 anxious face with sweat and 😓 downcast face with sweat both show a face with a bead of sweat and convey stress or discomfort, sharing a worried expression that signals something unpleasant is happening; however, 😰 reads as acute panic and dread—used for fear, high pressure, and a tense “this is bad” reaction—while 😓 feels softer and more resigned, suited to relief after danger has passed or mild embarrassment, conveying a weary “phew” or “ugh, that was close” tone; use 😰 to communicate immediate anxiety, alarm, or nervous urgency, and choose 😓 to express drained relief, sheepishness about a small mistake, or the aftermath of stress when tension has eased.
You might use 😰 when you’re facing a stressful deadline, receiving bad news, or genuinely scared and need to show panic or acute anxiety. Use 😓 when the danger has passed, you’re embarrassed about a minor slip, or you want to convey a tired relief rather than active fear.
Related emojis that share similar meanings or usage.
