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何食わぬ顔 (なにくわぬかお) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, noun
innocent look ; nonchalant face ; pretending ignorance
Describes a facial expression that feigns innocence or ignorance, often when the person actually knows something. Used in set phrases like 何食わぬ顔をする or 何食わぬ顔で.
かお
を
し
て
い
た
。
After the mischief, the cat had a nonchalant look.
Similar words 知し らん 顔かお 知らん顔 means pretending not to know or ignoring something, while 何食わぬ顔 specifically refers to a facial expression that hides one's knowledge or involvement.
澄す ました 顔かお 澄ました顔 implies a composed or smug look, often with an air of superiority, whereas 何食わぬ顔 is about feigning innocence or ignorance.
Etymology The phrase literally means 'a face that hasn't eaten anything,' figuratively suggesting a look of innocence as if one has done nothing wrong. The exact origin is uncertain, but it is a well-established idiomatic expression.
