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March 24, 2026
愁眉苦脸(愁眉苦臉)chóuméikǔliǎn(chou2mei2ku3lian3)
The idiom 愁眉苦脸 (chóu méi kǔ liǎn) describes a facial expression that reflects worry, sadness, or anxiety. It is commonly used to depict someone who is visibly troubled or distressed, often in response to difficult situations or concerns.
Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, showing emotions such as worry or sadness is often seen as a sign of being thoughtful and considerate rather than weak. This idiom can reflect the value placed on expressing concern for others.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person with furrowed brows (愁) and a pained face (苦脸), creating a visual image of someone in distress. The 'chou' in 'chou mei' sounds like 'show', and you can visualize someone showing their worries with their facial expression.
Meanings of 愁眉苦脸
chóuméikǔliǎn(chou2mei2ku3lian3)
1to look anxious (idiom)
2to look miserable
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About 愁眉苦脸
愁眉苦脸Simplified
愁眉苦臉Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 愁眉苦脸
Podcast: 愁眉苦脸
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AI Study Notes for 愁眉苦脸
Quick Contrast
忧心忡忡 (yōuxīnchōngchōng) - use 愁眉苦脸 for a focus on facial expression, while 忧心忡忡 emphasizes the feeling of worry.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person with furrowed brows (愁) and a pained face (苦脸), creating a visual image of someone in distress. The 'chou' in 'chou mei' sounds like 'show', and you can visualize someone showing their worries with their facial expression.
Usage Notes
This idiom is typically used in informal contexts to describe someone’s demeanor. Common mistakes include using it without context, as it should reflect genuine emotions rather than just a passing comment on someone's appearance.
HSK Study Tips
Though this idiom is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding it can help learners grasp the emotional nuances of Mandarin. Focus on the individual characters and their meanings to enhance comprehension.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, showing emotions such as worry or sadness is often seen as a sign of being thoughtful and considerate rather than weak. This idiom can reflect the value placed on expressing concern for others.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse this idiom with expressions of general unhappiness, using it inappropriately for mild annoyance. For example, saying someone looks 愁眉苦脸 when they are just bored is incorrect; they should be genuinely anxious or sad.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 愁眉苦脸
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Cultural Notes for 愁眉苦脸
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, showing emotions such as worry or sadness is often seen as a sign of being thoughtful and considerate rather than weak. This idiom can reflect the value placed on expressing concern for others.
Frequently Asked Questions about 愁眉苦脸
You can use it when describing someone who is visibly worried about an exam, a job interview, or personal issues.
It is more informal and should be used in casual conversations rather than formal writing.
No, it specifically refers to expressions of worry or sadness, not just fatigue.
