Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing a frown depends on whether you mean a facial expression of displeasure, worry, or concentration, or the act of furrowing your brows. The most common way is to describe the action or use onomatopoeia.
She gave me a frown.
When referring to the expression as a noun.
To describe someone making a displeased or angry face by furrowing their brows.
Literally 'to furrow one's eyebrows'. This is the most direct and common way to say 'frown' in the sense of showing displeasure or disapproval.
He frowned at my suggestion.
Means 'to grimace' or 'to make a sour face'. It can be used for a frown of disgust, pain, or displeasure.
A noun meaning 'grimace' or 'frown'. Often used with する to mean 'to make a frown'.
Means 'to make a displeased/sullen face'. It describes a general expression of unhappiness, which often includes a frown.
To describe someone furrowing their brows due to worry, concern, or concentration.
To refer to the frown as a facial expression.
To express that an action or behavior is disapproved of.
There is no single Japanese verb that directly translates to 'to frown'. Using 眉をひそめる or 顔をしかめる is natural, but simply saying フラウンする is not used.
眉をひそめる specifically refers to furrowing the brows, often showing disapproval or deep thought. 顔をしかめる is a broader grimace that can involve the whole face, often due to disgust, pain, or strong dislike.
She frowned at the bitter medicine.
彼はしかめ面をした。
He made a frown.
She sat there with a frown on her face.
Same phrase as above, but context indicates worry or thought rather than anger.
He frowned at the difficult problem.
Literally 'to gather wrinkles between the eyebrows'. This vividly describes a frown of concentration or worry.
He frowned in thought, wrinkles forming between his brows.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'to make a face as if deep in thought', which often involves a slight frown.
She was looking out the window with a thoughtful frown.
The most direct noun for 'frown' or 'grimace'.
Seeing his frown, I knew something bad had happened.
Noun form of '眉をひそめる', meaning 'a furrowing of the brows'.
Her frown showed her dissatisfaction.
Means 'sullen/displeased expression', which often includes a frown.
He looked at me with a frown.
Can be used metaphorically to mean 'to frown upon' or 'to disapprove of'.
Such behavior is frowned upon by society.
Means 'not thought well of'. A more indirect way to say something is frowned upon.
Being late is frowned upon at the company.
Means 'to be criticized/blamed'. Stronger than 'frowned upon' but can be used in similar contexts.
His actions were frowned upon by everyone.
He frowned at the news.
If the news was unpleasant or shocking.