Meaning and Usage
The verb うつむく means "to look downward" or "to stoop one's head." It often expresses feelings such as shyness, sadness, or shame. When someone うつむく, they physically lower their gaze or tilt their head downwards.
Common Contexts
This word is frequently used to describe emotional states where a person avoids eye contact, such as embarrassment, guilt, or sorrow. It can also describe a physical posture when someone is tired or deep in thought.
Collocations and Patterns
- うつむく + まま (e.g., うつむいたまま): to remain looking down, emphasizing the continued posture.
- 恥ずかしそうにうつむく: to look down shyly, showing embarrassment.
- 怒られてうつむく: to look down after being scolded, expressing remorse or shame.
Register and Nuance
うつむく is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It conveys subtle emotional cues without explicitly stating feelings.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse うつむく with simply "looking down" (下を見る). However, うつむく implies a downward tilt of the head and often an emotional nuance, while 下を見る is more literal and neutral. Use うつむく when you want to express the posture combined with an emotional state.