Face Holding Back Tears

Also known as: Holding Back Tears

U+1F979

Meaning

🥹

Face Holding Back Tears

Also known as: Holding Back Tears

A yellow face with a trembling, scrunched expression trying hard not to cry — eyes watering, about to burst into tears. Represents being deeply touched, overwhelmed with gratitude, or on the verge of crying from an emotion too big to contain. Perfect for the moment right before tears break through.

TouchedGratefulHolding BackAbout to Cry

USE CASES

  • Reacting to something overwhelmingly kind or generous
  • The moment before you burst into happy tears
  • Expressing deep gratitude that moves you
  • Trying to stay composed when something is very touching

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Free for personal and commercial use

Common Combinations

🥹❤️

So touched, heart is full

🥹🙏

Overwhelmed with gratitude

🥹✨

Beautiful, almost too much to handle

🥹😭

Tried to hold back, then fully cried

FAQ

What does 🥹 mean?

🥹 shows a face trying hard not to cry — trembling with emotion, eyes welling up. It represents the moment of being so touched, grateful, or moved that tears are on the verge of breaking through.

What is the difference between 🥹 and 🥲?

🥲 shows a face that's already smiling through a tear — the emotion has settled into a bittersweet smile. 🥹 is the moment before that, still fighting back the tears with a quivering expression.

Is 🥹 a new emoji?

🥹 was added in Emoji 14.0 (2021). It quickly became popular for expressing being deeply moved or overwhelmed by kindness — filling a gap between 🥲 and 😭.