顰蹙を買う

• Reading: ひんしゅくをかう
• Romaji: hinshuku wo kau
• Kanji breakdown: 顰 (hin) — to frown; 蹙 (shuku) — to knit brows; 買 (ka/bai) — to buy, invite
• Pronunciation: /çiɴ.ɕɯ.kɯ.o.ka.ɯ/

Meaning

To invite disapproval; to be frowned upon by others. Describes behaviour that earns the displeasure or disgust of people around you.

A set expression where 顰蹙 (frowning/scowling) is the object of 買う (to buy/invite). The verb 買う is Group 1 (godan). Despite the difficult kanji, this phrase is widely used in speech and writing, often in media commentary on public scandals or inappropriate behaviour.

Examples

1. 会議中にスマホをいじって顰蹙を買った。 I drew disapproving looks by messing with my phone during the meeting.
2. あの政治家の発言は世間の顰蹙を買っている。 That politician's remarks are drawing public disapproval.
3. 電車の中で大声で電話すると顰蹙を買うよ。 Talking loudly on the phone on the train will get you frowned upon.

Usage Guide

Context: social criticism, media, workplace

Tone: critical

Origin & History

From classical Chinese. 顰蹙 originally described the physical act of furrowing one's brow, and 買う metaphorically means 'to invite upon oneself.' The expression entered literary Japanese and became a standard idiom.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal