すまし顔がお

す

ま

し

が

お

Common word

Meanings

1

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.

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.