Translation guide
The English phrase "straight face" refers to a facial expression that shows no emotion, especially when trying not to laugh or when hiding one's true feelings. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various words and phrases that describe a serious, expressionless, or composed face.
Describing the act of maintaining a neutral or serious expression, often when something is funny or when one is trying not to react emotionally.
A common noun meaning 'serious face' or 'straight face'. Often used when someone keeps a straight face despite something funny or surprising.
He told a joke with a straight face.
Don't say that with a straight face.
Verb phrase meaning 'to put on a straight face' or 'to become serious-faced'. Used when someone suddenly stops laughing and becomes serious.
He suddenly put on a straight face and started talking.
Literally 'serious face'. Similar to 真顔 but emphasizes earnestness rather than suppression of laughter. Can be used when someone is being sincere or solemn.
To lie with a straight face.
Means 'to suppress laughter'. Describes the action of trying not to laugh, which often results in a straight face. Not a direct translation but useful in context.
He tried to keep a straight face while suppressing laughter.
Describing a face that shows no emotion, often to conceal one's true feelings or in a competitive context like poker.
Noun meaning 'expressionless' or 'poker face'. Used when someone's face shows no emotion, intentionally or not.
She listened to the results with a straight face.
Loanword from English 'poker face'. Commonly understood in Japanese, especially in contexts of hiding emotions or bluffing.
Verb phrase meaning 'to erase one's expression'. Describes the deliberate act of making one's face blank.
Describing a face that remains calm and composed even in difficult or embarrassing situations.
Means 'composed face' or 'unruffled face'. Used when someone remains calm and shows no sign of embarrassment or distress.
He kept a straight face even when scolded.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'cool face' or 'unconcerned look'. Implies acting as if nothing happened, often when one should be embarrassed or upset.
Means 'composed face' or 'prim face'. Can imply a slightly affected or smug composure.
She told a lie with a straight face.
真顔 (magao) often implies a deliberate attempt to look serious, especially to hide amusement. 無表情 (muhyoujou) is more general and can describe any expressionless face, whether intentional or not. Use 真顔 when someone is trying not to laugh, and 無表情 when someone is hiding emotions or simply looks blank.
Do not translate 'straight face' literally as まっすぐな顔 (massugu na kao). This is unnatural and not used in Japanese.
A poker face means an expressionless face.
He negotiated with a poker face.
He erased his expression and pretended to feel nothing.
He keeps a straight face even after making a mistake.