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.
彼は真顔で冗談を言った。
He told a joke with a straight face.
真顔でそんなこと言わないでよ。
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.
急に真顔になって、話し始めた。
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.
真面目な顔で嘘をつく。
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.
彼は笑いをこらえながら、真顔を保とうとした。
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.
彼女は無表情で結果を聞いていた。
She listened to the results with a straight face.
ポーカーフェイスとは無表情のことだ。
A poker face means an expressionless face.
Verb phrase meaning 'to erase one's expression'. Describes the deliberate act of making one's face blank.
彼は表情を消して、何も感じていないふりをした。
He erased his expression and pretended to feel nothing.
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.
彼は叱られても平然とした顔をしていた。
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.
失敗しても涼しい顔をしている。
He keeps a straight face even after making a mistake.
Means 'composed face' or 'prim face'. Can imply a slightly affected or smug composure.
彼女は澄ました顔で嘘をついた。
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.
Loanword from English 'poker face'. Commonly understood in Japanese, especially in contexts of hiding emotions or bluffing.
彼はポーカーフェイスで交渉に臨んだ。
He negotiated with a poker face.