Shows a bittersweet feeling—happy or relieved, but a little emotional. Use it for “I’m okay, just touched/exhausted/proud” moments, like grateful tears or laughing-through-the-struggle.
You just submitted your final project and post in your group chat to let everyone know you survived the semester. You want to sound relieved but emotional.
It’s finally over 🥲 can’t believe we made it
Often used when you feel touched or grateful in a slightly emotional way — for example, when a friend stays up helping you study or someone does something kind. It says “thank you, I might cry a little” without being dramatic.
In Japan, 🥲 is commonly read as a mix of 泣き笑い (“laughing while crying”) — emotional but not tragic. It’s close to kaomoji like (;_;) or (´；ω；｀) with a tiny smile, showing effort or endurance rather than sadness.
Not the same as 😢: 🥲 has a tiny smile and reads a bit sweet or grateful. If you’re purely sad, use 😢 (or 😞) instead.
Use cautiously with non-close contacts: 🥲 can feel a bit intimate or self-pitying; when in doubt, stick to 🙂 or plain text.
See what they share and how they differ to choose the right one.
Both are teary faces with small, glistening tears that soften their expressions. 🥲 smiling face with tear conveys bittersweet emotions, a tender mix of happiness and vulnerability. It feels resigned and gently proud, a weary smile that still comforts. 😥 sad but relieved face leans toward sorrow with a subdued exhale of relief. It carries more regret and exhaustion, its sadness more direct and less ironic. The tone is quieter and heavier, emphasizing that something difficult happened and is now ending. The mood shifts from bittersweet resilience to subdued, rueful release.
If you’re saying “I’m emotionally tired but okay” after an awkward or touching moment, choose 🥲 to convey warmth and bittersweet acceptance. If you’re expressing “that was hard and I’m relieved it’s over” after a stressful or disappointing situation, choose 😥 to communicate sadness mixed with relief.
Related emojis that share similar meanings or usage.
