Shows genuine surprise, wonder, or disbelief. Itโs the wide-eyed โwhoa!โ face youโd use when something unexpected or impressive happens โ neutral in tone, not shocked in a bad way, just openly amazed.
You just saw your friendโs new apartment for the first time โ and itโs way nicer than you expected.
Wait, this place is actually amazing ๐ฎ
Sometimes used to show admiration or mild awe โ like a quiet โwow.โ
In Japanese chats, ๐ฎ is often paired with expressions like โใใฃ!?โ or โใใใ!โ to emphasize surprise or discovery, carrying a tone closer to โOh, really?โ rather than astonishment.
Be careful not to mix it up with ๐ฒ or ๐ง; those look more shocked or anxious, while ๐ฎ stays neutral and friendly.
See what they share and how they differ to choose the right one.
Both are wide-eyed faces. ๐ฎ conveys genuine surprise and open amazement. It feels neutral and slightly exuberant, like an audible whoa. ๐ฏ is softer and more reserved. Its wonder is quiet, inward, and intimate. The tone is subdued rather than exclamatory, with a gentle hush instead of a loud reaction. Where ๐ฎ broadcasts astonishment, ๐ฏ suggests a private, contemplative disbelief. The difference lies in volume and warmth, one outgoing and vivid, the other inward and tender.
Use ๐ฎ when you react aloud to surprising news, an impressive accomplishment, or an obvious wow-worthy moment that calls for a bold, neutral exclamation. Use ๐ฏ when you want to respond with quieter amazement, muted admiration, or a gentle, contemplative surprise that maintains a soft tone.
Both are open-mouthed faces with wide eyes. ๐ฎ conveys genuine surprise and neutral wonder. It reads as an amazed, curious reaction to something unexpected. ๐ง shifts toward discomfort and regret, its expression weighted with upset and awkwardness. The tone of ๐ง is softer and more sorrowful, implying emotional distress rather than neutral amazement. While ๐ฎ feels breathable and open, ๐ง feels tight and heavy, suggesting sympathy or self-reproach. The two share a stunned look yet convey very different emotional temperatures and relational meanings.
You might use ๐ฎ face with open mouth to react to surprising but pleasant news or an impressive achievement in a neutral, amazed way. Use ๐ง anguished face to express regret, sympathy, or discomfort when something goes wrong or feels emotionally difficult.
Related emojis that share similar meanings or usage.
