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.
He's been sullen since morning.
Describes a silent, sulky demeanor; often used for someone who won't talk because they're upset.
She sat there sullenly.
Refers to a gloomy, cheerless personality or atmosphere; can describe a person's sullen nature.
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.
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.
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.
He's in a bad mood but still talking.
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.
He became sullen and stopped talking.
Literally 'heavy and oppressive', used for a sullen, stifling atmosphere.
The room was filled with a sullen silence.