PDF download Download Article
Learn what your friends mean when they send 🥺 (pleading face)
PDF download Download Article

Since 2018, the 🥺 (pleading face) emoji has become a versatile way to request sympathy, ask for a favor, and express sadness across text messages and social media.[1] In this article, we’ll give you a complete run-down of what this doe-eyed emoji represents, along with how to use and respond to it in your own digital space. We’ll even discuss what some similar-looking emojis mean, so you can have the full picture.

What is the pleading face emoji?

The 🥺 (pleading face) emoji is a yellow face with large, puppy-dog-like eyes and a small frown. It’s often used to earn sympathy from the recipient, and is sometimes used to request a favor, often with the 👉 (backhand index pointing right) and the 👈 (backhand index pointing left) emojis. It can also signify sadness.

Section 1 of 4:

🥺 (Pleading Face) Emoji Meanings

PDF download Download Article
  1. The 🥺 (pleading face) emoji can be used as a substitute for the classic sad emojis to tug on a person’s heartstrings.[2]
    • “Please don’t be mad! 🥺💗”
    • “I had the worst day today 🥺😭”
  2. It’s sometimes paired with the 👉 (backhand index pointing right) and the 👈 (backhand index pointing left) emojis.[3]
    • “Would you wanna visit this weekend? 🥺👉👈”
    • The image of a person pointing their fingers together is a symbol of being bashful while requesting something. This gesture actually has its own emoji on TikTok![4]
    Advertisement
  3. The emotional look on the 🥺 (pleading face) emoji’s face makes it a popular choice for sad-themed content, like a TikTok discussing romantic struggles.[5]
    • “Nooo I’m so sorry to hear that 🥺”
    • “I can’t believe it!! That’s so sad to hear 🥺🥺”
  4. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

How to Use 🥺 (Pleading Face) Emoji

PDF download Download Article
  1. When sad faces just don’t seem to cut it, toss some 🥺 (pleading face) emojis into the mix.[6]
    • “My package got lost in the mail UGH 🥺🥺”
    • “They gave me the 8 AM shift on Monday… 🥺🥺🥺”
  2. Trying to ask your friend or partner for a favor? See if the 🥺 (pleading face) emoji can sway them.[7]
    • “Could you pick up some coffee for me on your way home? 🥺”
    • “Babe, could you bring my phone charger over to my room? 🥺👉👈”
  3. While this emoji might not be the best choice for seriously upsetting topics, it’s still a great way to express mild sadness.[8]
    • “I can’t believe I have to wait 365 more days until Christmas 🥺”
    • “I wish you were here with me 🥺💔”
  4. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

How to Respond to 🥺 (Pleading Face) Emoji

PDF download Download Article
  1. People use the 🥺 (pleading face) emoji in a lot of different ways, and there isn’t a right or wrong way respond. Here are a few examples for inspiration, depending on the context of the conversation:
    • “I think I’m getting sick 🥺🥺”
      Response: “Oh no!! Want me to bring over some soup?”
    • “Could you grab me some Red Bull when you go to the store? 🥺👉👈”
      Response: “I’m pretty sure your blood is already 99% caffeine at this point but ok”
    • “I really wish we were back in LA 😭🥺”
      Response: “I know, right?! It was such a great trip 💖”
Section 4 of 4:

Similar Emojis

PDF download Download Article
  1. The 🥹 (face holding back tears) emoji features a slightly smiling face with puppy-dog eyes that are filled with tears. Like the 🥺 (pleading face) emoji, it can be used to express gratefulness and adoration or negative emotions, like sadness.
  2. The 😳 (flushed) emoji features a face with wide eyes, a small mouth, and blushing cheeks. It can be used to express embarrassment, as well as more positive emotions, like surprise, love, and excitement.
  3. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

Advertisement

About This Article

Candace Gasper
Reviewed by:
Social Media & Digital Marketing Consultant
This article was reviewed by Candace Gasper and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Candace Gasper is a Social Media & Digital Marketing Consultant and the Owner of Digital Candy, a social media agency. With over seven years of professional experience, Candace is an expert in social media and content creation, specializing in working with local businesses to share their narratives and help them expand their reach. Candace received her Bachelor of Science in Merchandising, Apparels, and Textiles from the University of Kentucky. This article has been viewed 37,064 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 3
Updated: July 9, 2025
Views: 37,064
Categories: Emoticons and Emojis
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 37,064 times.

Is this article up to date?

Advertisement