Unlike the simple surprised face (😮), this emoji expresses a complex mix of worry and regret. You could use it to show sympathy when a friend says, "I failed the test."

In the West, it's often used to convey a light sigh, like "Oh dear" or "Yikes." It shows an immediate reaction to an unexpectedly awkward situation rather than a major shock, making it very useful for expressing subtle emotions in bewildering or absurd situations rather than serious sadness.