German word

Miene

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈmiːnə/

Meaning

  • feminine nounfacial expression

Example

Ihre Miene veränderte sich nicht.

Her facial expression did not change.

Illustration for Miene (facial expression)

More examples

Er verzog die Miene, als er die schlechte Nachricht hörte.

He grimaced when he heard the bad news.

Core concept

The expression held by a person's face while an observer reads its mood or attitude.

Common phrases

  • seine Miene verziehen

    grimace

  • eine nachdenkliche Miene

    a thoughtful expression

  • eine freundliche Miene

    a friendly expression

Similar words

Gesichtsausdruck: A facial expression that conveys feeling or mood.
Mimik: Small facial movements that reveal emotion.
Blick: A look or gaze that signals an attitude or feeling.
Ausdruck: A means of conveying feelings or thoughts through words, gestures, or expression.

Definition in German

Sichtbarer Ausdruck im Gesicht, durch den Gefühle oder Einstellungen einer Person erkennbar werden.

Word origin

The modern noun continues Middle High German mīne, borrowed from Old French mine for a person's appearance or expression.

Usage tips

  • German Miene focuses on the face, whereas English look can also mean visual appearance or an act of looking.

Other meanings

  • looknoun

Opposites

  • Ausdruckslosigkeitblank expressionnoun

Related words

  • Mienenspielfacial expressivenessnoun

Word lists with this word