すまし顔がお

す

ま

し

が

お

Common word

Meanings

noun

straight face; composed look; nonchalant expression

Describes a facial expression that deliberately hides one's true feelings, often appearing calm, indifferent, or slightly smug. Can be used positively for composure or negatively for feigned innocence.

彼かれは叱しかられてもすまし顔がおで立たっていた。
Even when scolded, he stood there with a straight face.
いたずらをした猫ねこがすまし顔がおで座すわっている。
The cat that caused mischief is sitting with a nonchalant look.

See all 7 example sentences ›

Usage patterns

〈人ひと〉はすまし顔がおで〈動どう詞し〉for someone to do something with a straight/composed face
彼かの女じょはすまし顔がおで嘘うそをついた。
She lied with a completely straight face.
すまし顔がおをするto put on a composed/innocent expression
先せん生せいに何なにを聞きかれても、彼かれはすまし顔がおをしていた。
No matter what the teacher asked him, he kept a straight face.

Kanji

顔face, expression
澄lucidity, be clear, clear

Related words

無む表ひょう情じょうN3
無表情 describes a face with no emotion showing at all, while すまし顔 implies a deliberately composed or feigned-calm look that may hide feelings like guilt or smugness.
涼すずしい顔かお
涼しい顔 emphasizes acting unconcerned or indifferent despite a situation, whereas すまし顔 focuses on the composed, innocent-looking expression itself.
知しらん顔かお
知らん顔 specifically means pretending not to notice or know something, while すまし顔 is a broader composed or nonchalant expression that need not involve feigned ignorance.

Opposites

笑え顔がおN3
笑顔 is a warm, smiling expression, in contrast to the cool, composed detachment of すまし顔.

Written forms

すまし顔がおUsage77%
Standard kanji-kana mixed spelling; the most common written form.
澄すまし顔がおUsage23%
Alternate kanji spelling using 澄; less common but still encountered.

Etymology

Compound of すまし (continuative form of 澄ます, 'to put on airs' or 'to look composed') and 顔 (かお, 'face'). The spelling 澄まし顔 reflects the verb 澄ます, while すまし顔 is the more common mixed kana-kanji form.