Translation guide
A facial expression of pain, disgust, or discomfort. In Japanese, this is often expressed with specific verbs and onomatopoeia rather than a single noun.
To describe making a pained or uncomfortable face, often involuntarily.
The most common and natural way to say 'to grimace' in Japanese. It literally means 'to tighten one's face' and is used for expressions of pain, disgust, or disapproval.
He grimaced in pain.
She grimaced after taking the bad-tasting medicine.
A noun meaning 'grimace' or 'scowl'. Often used in the phrase しかめ面をする (to make a grimace). Slightly more colloquial than 顔をしかめる.
He made a grimace at the strange smell.
Literally 'bitter face', used when someone makes a sour or displeased expression, often in response to something unpleasant.
He grimaced at the suggestion.
To show a facial reaction to something disgusting or unpleasant.
To describe a quick, involuntary grimace often from sudden pain or surprise.
A verb meaning 'to flinch' or 'to wince'. It implies a momentary grimace or recoil due to fear or pain.
He winced at the loud noise.
Similar to ひるむ, meaning to flinch or recoil, often with a visible grimace. Slightly more literary.
To describe a smile that looks more like a grimace, often due to pain or awkwardness.
A 'twitching smile' or 'strained laugh', used when someone tries to smile but it comes out as a grimace.
He gave a grimacing smile.
A 'bitter smile' or 'wry smile', often used when someone is embarrassed or in a difficult situation. It can resemble a grimace.
English often uses 'grimace' as a noun (e.g., 'a grimace of pain'), but Japanese rarely uses a standalone noun for this. Instead, use verb phrases like 顔をしかめる or describe the action. Using しかめ面 is acceptable but less common in natural speech.
顔をしかめる is more about the physical tightening of facial muscles, often from pain. 嫌な顔をする explicitly conveys disgust or dislike. They overlap but have different nuances.
grimace in pain
make a disgusted face
She grimaced at the sight.
彼はその言葉にたじろいだ。
He flinched at those words.
He apologized with a grimace.