Translation guide
Describes a moody, silent, and unfriendly demeanor, often with a gloomy or resentful undertone.
To describe someone who is quiet and in a bad mood, often with a dark or depressed air.
The most common and versatile word for being in a bad mood, often implying silent displeasure.
彼は朝から不機嫌だ。
He's been sullen since morning.
Describes a silent, sulky demeanor; often used for someone who won't talk because they're upset.
彼女はむっつりと座っていた。
She sat there sullenly.
Refers to a gloomy, cheerless personality or atmosphere; can describe a person's sullen nature.
彼は陰気な性格だ。
He has a sullen personality.
Literally 'gloomy' or 'depressing', can describe a sullen mood or weather, but more often means 'annoying'.
Often used to mean 'irritating' rather than 'sullen'. Use with care.
彼の鬱陶しい態度にうんざりした。
I got fed up with his sullen attitude.
To describe someone who is silently holding a grudge or showing resentment through their demeanor.
Verb meaning to sulk or pout, often used for children or childish behavior.
子供がすねて部屋に閉じこもった。
The child got sullen and shut himself in his room.
To be sulky and defiant, often with a rude or insolent attitude.
Alternate kanji for すねる, same meaning but less common in modern usage.
To describe a place, weather, or atmosphere that feels heavy, gloomy, and oppressive.
不機嫌 is a general state of bad mood, while むっつり specifically emphasizes the silent, sulky aspect. Use むっつり when the person is not speaking because they are upset.
彼は不機嫌だが、まだ話している。
He's in a bad mood but still talking.
彼女はむっつりして何も言わない。
She's sullen and won't say anything.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly covers all nuances of 'sullen'. Choose based on whether you mean moody silence, childish sulking, or gloomy atmosphere.
He got sullen after being scolded.
彼は拗ねて口をきかなくなった。
He became sullen and stopped talking.
Literally 'heavy and oppressive', used for a sullen, stifling atmosphere.
部屋の中は重苦しい沈黙に包まれていた。
The room was filled with a sullen silence.