Entry
ムスっと
musutto
A silent expression of displeasure, sulking, or being sullen.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Describes a psychological state or visible expression of being silently sullen, sulky, or displeased, often holding in one's discontent or hurt feelings.
- sulking face
- silent discontent
Sense Map
Facial Expression
Showing a pouting or sullen face due to displeasure or hurt feelings.
ムスっとした顔
Silent Attitude
Refusing to speak as a form of protest or sulking.
ムスっと黙り込む
Usage Note
How to Use
ムスっとする
Used as a verb meaning 'to sulk' or 'to turn sullen'.
ムスっとしている
ムスっとした + noun
Used to modify nouns, most commonly face (顔) or attitude (態度).
ムスっと + verb
Describes the manner in which an action is performed, usually falling silent or leaving.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ムスっとする
to sulk
ムスっとした顔
sullen face
ムスっと黙る
to fall silent sullenly
ムスっとした態度
sulky attitude
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Reaction to being scolded | negative | Commonly used to describe someone who has been reprimanded and shows defiance through silence. |
| Close relationships | neutral | Often used between friends, family, or partners to describe minor sulking. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぶすっと ぶすっと / similar | When someone shows a heavier, grumpier displeasure, or for the sound of stabbing. | Can feel slightly more negative or intense than a simple sulk. | ぶすっとしている |
むっつり むっつり / similar | To describe a naturally taciturn, uncommunicative, or habitually quiet person. | It is a character trait or consistent mood, rather than a temporary reaction to being upset. | むっつりした人 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe violent or loud anger.
It exclusively describes quiet, suppressed anger or sulking.
Using it for general sadness or depression.
It implies annoyance, being offended, or discontent, not sorrow.
Examples
Examples
彼は怒ってムスっとしている。
かれ は おこって ムスっと して いる。
He is angry and sulking.
VisualDescribes a clearly visible sulking expression.
注意された後、彼女は一日中ムスっとしていた。
ちゅうい された あと、 かのじょ は いちにちじゅう ムスっと して いた。
After being warned, she was sulking all day.
LiteralShows that the sullen attitude lasted for a long time.
そんなにムスっとした顔をしないで。
そんなに ムスっと した かお を しない で。
Don't make such a sullen face.
VisualUsed when telling someone to stop visibly pouting.
彼は気に入らないことがあると、すぐにムスっと黙り込む。
かれ は き に いらない こと が ある と、 すぐ に ムスっと だまりこむ。
Whenever something displeases him, he immediately falls silent and sulks.
LiteralOften paired with 'falling silent' to emphasize the protest.
返事もせず、ムスっと席を立った。
へんじ も せず、 ムスっと せき を たった。
Without answering, they stood up sullenly.
FigurativeThis word can modify an action, not just a facial expression.
Similar Words
ぶすっと
busutto
Plunging a sharp object into something soft, or wearing a sullen, sulky expression. Heavier and more negative sullenness.
むっつり
muttsuri
むっつり means being silently sullen or having a taciturn, unapproachable demeanor. Refers to a habitually taciturn or uncommunicative nature.
Questions
Is this word formal?
No, it is a casual, conversational word. You should not use it in polite business contexts or to describe a superior's behavior.
How is it different from 怒る (okoru)?
怒る is the general verb for 'to get angry'. ムスっと specifically paints the picture of a pouting, silent type of anger.
Can I use it for myself?
You can, but it is much more natural to use it objectively to describe someone else whose sulky face you can see.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2412820
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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