A straight face Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈstɹeɪt/ /ˈfeɪs

uh STRAYT FAYS

UK

æɪ/ /stɹˈeɪt/ /fˈeɪs

uh STRAYT FAYS

Definition

A facial expression that shows no emotion, especially used when trying not to laugh or to hide your true feelings.

Usage & Nuances

Used in informal and formal contexts. Common with 'keep' or 'with': 'keep a straight face', 'say it with a straight face.' Implies suppressing laughter or not revealing emotions. Often used in jokes or awkward situations.

• Spanish: cara seria
• Portuguese (BR): rosto sério
• Portuguese (PT): cara séria
• Chinese (Simplified): 一脸严肃
• Chinese (Traditional): 一臉嚴肅
• Hindi: सीधा चेहरा (गंभीर चेहरा)
• Arabic: وجه جاد
• Bengali: গম্ভীর মুখ
• Russian: невозмутимое лицо
• Japanese: 真顔
• Vietnamese: mặt tỉnh bơ - mặt nghiêm túc
• Korean: 무표정
• Turkish: ciddi bir yüz ifadesi
• Urdu: سنجیدہ چہرہ
• Indonesian: wajah datar - wajah tanpa ekspresi

Example Sentences

It's hard to keep a straight face when someone tells a funny joke.

basic

She answered the question with a straight face.

basic

Can you say that with a straight face?

basic

He lied to me with a straight face, and I believed him.

natural

I can't keep a straight face when my little brother makes silly faces.

natural

The comedian told the wildest story with a straight face, which made it even funnier.

natural