fu2 hau2 fu2 min6苦口苦面

Jyutpingfu2 hau2 fu2 min6
Yalefú háu fú mihn
形容詞

Definition

To look miserable, worried, or gloomy; to wear a bitter, distressed expression.

colloquialdescriptionsemotion

How it's used

This idiom is used specifically to describe someone's facial expression when they are unhappy, worried, or annoyed. It implies a visible, external display of inner turmoil rather than just a feeling of sadness. It is often used to tell someone to cheer up or to comment on a negative atmosphere.

Examples

He is sitting there looking gloomy, as if he has something on his mind.

Common phrases

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with simply being sad or crying. It specifically refers to the physical look of a person's face, often suggesting they are being a bit of a killjoy or are visibly sulking.

Grammar color guide

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