Used when you feel let down, regretful, or quietly sad. It’s not dramatic crying—more like a deep sigh and a quiet “oh…” inside.
You thought your friend remembered your presentation day, but they totally forgot.
I guess it just wasn’t that important to you 😞
Can also express mild guilt or self-blame—like when you know you could’ve done better.
In Japanese chats, 😞 often reflects quiet reflection or remorse, similar to saying “反省してます…” (“I’m reflecting on it…”). It’s more humble than emotional, often used to show sincerity.
Don’t overuse 😞 in casual chats—it can make you sound more upset or self-critical than you mean to.
See what they share and how they differ to choose the right one.
More on slightly frowning face
Both 😞 disappointed face and 🙁 slightly frowning face convey low-energy sadness and mild disappointment, suitable for subdued emotional responses rather than dramatic distress; they both signal a pull-back from enthusiasm and invite a patient, understanding reaction from the recipient. The key difference is tone and intensity: 😞 carries a heavier sense of being let down or regret, like a quiet sigh after unmet expectations, whereas 🙁 is gentler and more neutral—useful for expressing mild upset, small regrets, or low-level empathy without implying deep sorrow. The 🙁 slightly frowning face fits conversational, everyday scenarios where you want to acknowledge someone’s feelings or show mild personal disappointment without escalating the mood, making it appropriate for casual messages, brief apologies, or workplace notes that require a soft, restrained tone.
You might use 😞 disappointed face when you want to express a deeper sense of being let down or regret in a personal message. Use 🙁 slightly frowning face when you need to convey gentle sadness or mild disappointment in casual or professional conversations.
Related emojis that share similar meanings or usage.
