😯 of this emoji 😯
The hushed face emoji 😯 communicates a quiet gasp or soft surprise. This page explains what it means, how to use it, and how it differs from other shocked faces.
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What the 😯 emoji means
The 😯 meaning of this emoji is a hushed reaction—a small, contained gasp. Unlike a full open-mouthed 😮 or a dramatic 😲, the hushed face shows raised eyebrows and a slightly parted mouth, as if someone just said “oh” under their breath.
In Unicode, this character is formally named hushed face, and it belongs to the group of concerned faces. That places it alongside worried face and confused face, but its expression is more about surprise than distress.
The raised eyebrows and small mouth read as a sharp intake of breath, which makes it useful for text-based reactions to surprising statements.
How people use the hushed face emoji
The emoji often appears as a standalone reaction in chats, signalling a quiet “wow” or “no way”. It fits situations where the news is surprising but not earth-shattering: a friend changed their hair colour, a colleague left early, or a plot twist in a TV show caught you off guard.
You can also pair it with words to soften the tone. For example, “You actually called them 😯” reads as playful disbelief rather than anger. In group chats, it works as a gentle way to show interest without escalating the conversation.
In some contexts, 😯 can also signal mild concern, such as when someone realises they forgot to do something. It is a flexible reaction that leans positive or neutral, so it rarely comes across as rude.
Compare hushed face with similar emoji
| Emoji | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| hushed faceU+1F62F | Soft surprise, quiet gasp | |
| face with open mouthU+1F62E | Louder shock, open-mouthed surprise | |
| astonished faceU+1F632 | Dramatic, wide-eyed astonishment | |
| flushed faceU+1F633 | Embarrassed or shocked with a blush | |
| worried faceU+1F61F | Concern, anxiety, or unease | |
| frowning face with open mouthU+1F626 | Distress or shock with a frown |
Similar emoji and how to tell them apart
The hushed face is easy to confuse with face with open mouth and astonished face. The key difference is intensity: 😯 is quiet and contained, while 😮 and 😲 suggest a louder, more visible shock. If you want to say “I'm speechless but not freaking out”, 😯 is the one.
For a more negative spin, worried face and frowning face with open mouth add distress or concern. 😯 stays on the lighter side, making it safe for playful or mildly alarming news.
How to copy the hushed face emoji
On mobile, tap and hold the emoji in a message to copy it to your clipboard.
On a computer, open the emoji panel with Windows key + . (Windows) or Control + Command + Space (Mac), then search for “hushed” or browse the smiley category. The emoji is available in most emoji keyboards and pickers.
If you cannot find it, try searching for “hushed face” in your emoji picker.
Questions people ask
What does the hushed face emoji mean?
The hushed face emoji 😯 shows a soft, contained surprise. It often appears when someone learns something unexpected, hears gossip, or reacts with a quiet “oh” rather than a loud gasp.
When should I use the hushed face emoji?
Use 😯 in messages where you want to show mild astonishment, playful disbelief, or a sudden realisation. It feels less intense than 😲 or 😱 and works well as a standalone reaction.
Is the hushed face the same as the surprised face?
They are similar, but 😯 is more subdued. 😮 face with open mouth and 😲 astonished face suggest a stronger, louder reaction, while hushed face implies a quieter intake of breath.
What does 😯 mean from a girl or guy?
The meaning does not depend on gender. 😯 generally signals surprise or mild shock, possibly with a playful edge depending on the conversation and any accompanying text.
About this guide
Written and maintained by the Emoji Directory editorial team, without ads or sponsorship. Meanings describe how the emoji is commonly used in public posts and messages, not an official definition. Names, code points, versions, keywords and translations come from the Unicode Emoji 18.0 and CLDR data; shortcodes from the gemoji project. Last reviewed . Spotted a mistake or a new usage? Tell us, or read how the directory is made.