chóu愁worriedméi眉eyebrowskǔ苦bitterliǎn脸face
To have a worried and unhappy look; to wear a distressed expression.
Literal meaning
worried (愁) — eyebrows (眉) — bitter (苦) — face (脸)
Origin
A classical four-character phrase describing a distressed appearance.
Examples
Tā zǒngshì chóuméi-kǔliǎn de, hǎoxiàng yǒu shénme xīnshì.他总是愁眉苦脸的，好像有什么心事。
He always looks worried, as if he has something on his mind.
Bié chóuméi-kǔliǎn de, shìqing zǒng huì jiějué de.别愁眉苦脸的，事情总会解决的。
Don't look so distressed, things will work out eventually.
Usage & nuances
Describes a visible expression of worry or unhappiness.
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