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渋い顔をする (しぶいかおをする) Japanese meaning | Kotomora

渋しぶい顔かおをする

Meanings

1

expression, suru verb (irregular)

frown; look grim; look sullen

Describes making a displeased or sour facial expression, often in reaction to something unpleasant or disagreeable.

彼かれはその提てい案あんに渋しぶい顔かおをした。
He frowned at the proposal.
子こ供どもは苦にがい薬くすりを飲のんで渋

しぶ

い

顔かお

を

し

た

。

The child made a sour face after taking the bitter medicine.

Written forms

渋しぶい顔かおをする
Standard kanji spelling for this expression.
しぶい顔かおをする
Kana spelling for 渋い, used when the kanji is not preferred or for clarity.

Kanji

渋astringent, hesitate, reluctant
顔face, expression

Similar words

顔かおをしかめる
顔をしかめる is a more general term for grimacing or scowling, while 渋い顔をする specifically implies a sour, displeased expression often due to dissatisfaction or reluctance.

Etymology

The expression combines 渋い (shibui, 'astringent, sour, grim') with 顔 (kao, 'face') and する (suru, 'to do'), literally 'to make a sour face'. The origin is straightforward and based on the metaphorical extension of astringent taste to a displeased expression.