Used when you’re puzzled, conflicted, or something just doesn’t add up. It’s the “huh?” face—mild confusion or disappointment without strong emotion.
Your friend says they saw your ex at the same party you were at—but you never noticed.
Wait… how did I miss that 😕
Can also show gentle disagreement or uncertainty when you don’t want to sound harsh—like saying “I’m not sure about that.”
In Japanese texts, 😕 can express subtle embarrassment or hesitation, a softer “えっ？” moment rather than logical confusion. It may come off as polite self-doubt instead of questioning others.
Don’t use 😕 when you’re actually upset—it can make your message seem emotionally distant or dismissive.
See what they share and how they differ to choose the right one.
Both show a tilted mouth and furrowed brow, giving a puzzled vibe. 😕 conveys mild confusion or a low level of disappointment. It reads like a brief huh moment, puzzled but not strongly emotional. 🫤 carries a cooler, more skeptical tone, with polite doubt and restrained judgment. It suggests unimpressed appraisal and quiet disbelief rather than open bafflement. The mouth’s diagonal line feels more detached and wry. Where 😕 registers immediate puzzlement, 🫤 lingers with a hesitant, unimpressed assessment and a muted sense of skepticism that keeps emotional intensity low.
Use 😕 when you are honestly puzzled or mildly disappointed and need to invite clarification or express that something doesn’t make sense. Use 🫤 when you want to signal polite skepticism, express that you’re unimpressed, or indicate you doubt the claim without escalating the tone.
Related emojis that share similar meanings or usage.
