😢 Sad Emoticons
14 emoticons
Sad emoticons help convey disappointment, grief, and empathy in text conversations. The simple frown :( is one of the earliest emoticons ever created, serving as the natural counterpart to the smiley face.
Japanese-style crying emoticons like T_T and ;_; add a visual dimension that Western emoticons lack — the characters literally look like tears streaming down a face. These became widely adopted in gaming communities and spread to mainstream messaging.
Using sad emoticons appropriately can add emotional depth to text that might otherwise seem flat. A well-placed :( shows the reader you understand their frustration or share their disappointment.
How to Use Sad Emoticons
- -:( is the standard sad face — use it for mild disappointment or sympathy.
- -:'( with a teardrop adds more emotional weight for genuinely sad moments.
- -T_T and ;_; express heavy crying — best for dramatic sadness or comedic overreaction.
- -D: flips the sad face for a look of horror or dismay.
- -Use sad emoticons sparingly in group chats to avoid bringing down the mood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does T_T mean in text?
T_T represents a face with tears streaming down both cheeks. The T characters look like closed eyes with tears. It expresses deep sadness, frustration, or is sometimes used for comedic dramatic crying.
What is the crying emoticon?
The most common crying emoticons are :'( (sad face with a tear), T_T (streaming tears), and ;_; (teary eyes). Each conveys increasing levels of sadness, from a single tear to full sobbing.
What does D: mean?
D: is a face expressing horror or dismay. Read sideways, the D is a wide-open mouth and the colon represents eyes. It is often used to react to shocking or upsetting news.