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Japanese

ほおがゆるむ
Meaning: to smile with pleasure; for one’s expression to soften
Part of Speech: Verb, Idiom

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Verb inflections

Verb inflections
Form Affirmative Negative
Present 頬が緩む 頬が緩まない
Polite 頬が緩みます 頬が緩みません
Past 頬が緩んだ 頬が緩まなかった
Polite + Past 頬が緩みました 頬が緩みませんでした
Te-form 頬が緩んで 頬が緩まなくて
Potential 頬が緩める 頬が緩めない
Passive 頬が緩まれる 頬が緩まれない
Causative 頬が緩ませる 頬が緩ませない
Causative + Passive 頬が緩まされる 頬が緩まされない
Imperative 頬が緩め 頬が緩むな

Example

合格の知らせを聞いて、思わず頬が緩んだ。
After hearing the news that I passed the exam, I could not help smiling.

Usage Notes

Describes a face becoming visibly happier, often because of affection, relief, or good news.

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