Kaomoji & Emoji Meanings
What does this face mean? A handy dictionary of common kaomoji and emoji meanings — search by feeling, and tap to copy the one that fits.
Meanings of kaomoji & emoji
About kaomoji & emoji meanings
The same face can mean different things by region or generation. For instance 😂 means "laughing so hard I'm crying" in the West, while in Japan it's kept separate from the sad 😭. Upside-down faces like 🙃 increasingly carry irony — saying the opposite of what they show.
Kaomoji are read from their eyes and mouth: ^_^ is smiling eyes, T_T is tears, ; is a wink, >_< is eyes squeezed shut. Once you know the parts, you can guess the mood of a face you've never seen. Stuck? Search by meaning here and copy the one that fits.
Frequently asked questions
What does 🥹 mean?
A face holding back tears of emotion — a "welling-up smile." Used for joy, gratitude or being deeply moved.
What does 🙃 mean?
An upside-down smile for irony, awkwardness or feelings opposite to what's shown. Often "oh well…" or laughing off a situation that isn't going well.
Does 💦 mean something dirty?
Mostly it means sweat, panic or being in a hurry. It can be used suggestively in some contexts, but usually it's embarrassment or fluster.
What does 😂 mean — and is it different abroad?
"Laughing so hard I'm crying." In Japan it's distinguished from the sad 😭, but in the West 😂 is the go-to "that's hilarious" reaction.
What does ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ mean?
A shrug: "who knows," "not sure," "nothing I can do." A staple on Discord, X and beyond.
How do I look up a kaomoji's meaning?
Browse this dictionary, search by feeling, and tap (click) any face to copy it straight to your clipboard.
What does キタ━━(ﾟ∀ﾟ)━━!! mean? Is it outdated?
It means "It's here!" — excitement and hype. Not really dead; it's still used for a fun, celebratory vibe.
What does 💀 mean?
Slang for "I'm dead" — meaning something is hilarious or wild. Close to the Japanese net-slang "草 (grass)."
What does (´；ω；`) mean?
A face for welling-up tears — close to "pien," "moved" or "teary." Works for sadness and for being touched.
What is orz?
A person on their knees with head down, seen from the side — "despair," "defeat" or facepalm. ＿|￣|○ means the same thing.
What does the ";" in (^_^;) mean?
It's a bead of sweat down the cheek. It adds embarrassment or awkwardness, turning a plain smile (^_^) into a nervous one.
Kaomoji vs emoji — what's the difference?
Kaomoji are "text" built from symbols; emoji are single picture characters like 😀. Kaomoji rarely break across platforms; emoji read at a glance. See Kaomoji vs Emoji for more.