愁眉苦脸

• Pinyin: chóu méi kǔ liǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 愁 = 秋 + 心 (autumn heart = worry); 眉 = eyebrow; 苦 = bitter; 脸 = face

Meaning

With a worried frown; looking distressed; a sad and worried expression.

Idiomatic expression describing someone who looks troubled or unhappy. Often used to describe visible signs of worry or distress. Can be used as an adjective or adverbial phrase.

Examples

1. 他最近整天愁眉苦脸的，不知道遇到了什么事。 He's been looking worried and distressed all day lately — who knows what happened.
2. 别愁眉苦脸的，事情总会有办法解决的。 Don't look so glum — there's always a way to solve problems.
3. 看到儿子愁眉苦脸地回来，妈妈知道考试一定没考好。 Seeing her son come home with a troubled expression, the mother knew the exam hadn't gone well.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, descriptions, emotions

Tone: sympathetic

Do Say

• 你干嘛愁眉苦脸的？有什么心事跟我说说。(Why the long face? Tell me what's on your mind.)
• 她愁眉苦脸地看着账单，不知道这个月怎么过。(She looked at the bill with a worried expression, not knowing how to get through the month.)

Don't Say

• 我愁眉苦脸地高兴 (This idiom only describes negative emotions — don't mix with positive feelings)

Origin & History

Four-character idiom: 愁眉 (worried brow) + 苦脸 (bitter face). Combines two images of facial distress.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal