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.
Both share a shocked expression with a visible mouth. 😰 conveys acute anxiety and sweaty panic. It signals being under pressure and feeling nervous about worsening outcomes. 😦 carries a quieter shock, a stunned disappointment rather than full alarm. Its tone is more subdued and reflective, like a soft realization. The nuance lies in intensity, sweat and acute panic for 😰 versus muted concern and surprise for 😦.
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.
Both show a face with a bead of sweat on the forehead. 😰 conveys acute panic and dread, the rush of stress when something feels like it might go wrong. 😓 feels quieter and more deflated, a sigh after tension rather than full alarm. Its tone is closer to relief or embarrassment, a muted exhale after a scare. It registers fatigue and mild regret more than immediate fear, and the emotion reads softer and more resigned compared with the sharper distress of 😰.
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.
