Kaomoji Guide
A complete guide to kaomoji usage, history, and culture
What is Kaomoji?
Kaomoji are Japanese-style emoticons made from text characters to express emotions and facial expressions. Originating around 1986 on Japanese internet forums, they've spread worldwide. Unlike Western emoticons :) which are read sideways, kaomoji face forward (^_^) and offer incredible expressive range.
Kaomoji vs Emoji
Kaomoji are made from text characters, so they look the same on every device. Emoji, on the other hand, are image-based Unicode characters that may look different across devices and operating systems. Kaomoji offer more customization and can express subtle nuances that emoji cannot.
- >Kaomoji: Text-based, consistent across all devices, freely customizable
- >Emoji: Image-based, varies by device, limited to predefined set
How to Read Kaomoji
Kaomoji are composed of three main elements: eyes, mouth, and decorations. The eye shape conveys the emotion, while the mouth adds nuance.
Eyes
^ (happy), > (troubled), T (crying), ยท (calm)
Mouth
_ (neutral), โฝ (laughing), ฯ (cute), ็ฟ (angry)
Decorations
โก (heart), โ (sparkle), ใ (waving hand)
How to Use on Different Platforms
Kaomoji work on virtually any platform that supports text input. Here are tips for the most popular ones.
Discord
Perfect for chat messages, server names, and nicknames. Add personality to text-based conversations
X (Twitter)
Great for posts, replies, and profiles. Express emotions within the character limit
Use in captions, comments, and bios. Add a unique aesthetic touch to your posts
Liven up comments and posts. Kaomoji add emotional context to text-heavy discussions
How to Create Your Own Kaomoji
Create unique original kaomoji by combining basic parts. Mix and match elements for endless variations.
- 1.Start with parentheses ( ) and place eyes and mouth inside
- 2.Use special characters (ฯ, โ, ะ) for unique expressions
- 3.Add decorations (โก, โ, โช) to enhance the feeling
- 4.Include arm/action characters (ใ, ใค, ฯ) for dynamic poses
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FAQ
What is kaomoji?
Kaomoji are Japanese-style emoticons made from text characters to express emotions. Unlike Western emoticons :) which are sideways, kaomoji face forward (^_^) and display identically on all devices.
What's the difference between kaomoji and emoji?
Kaomoji are text-based and look the same everywhere. Emoji are image-based and vary by device. Kaomoji offer more customization and nuance.
Where can I use kaomoji?
Anywhere that supports text: Discord, Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, email, and more.
How do I copy kaomoji?
Just tap any kaomoji on our site to automatically copy it. Then paste it in your favorite app.
Can I create my own kaomoji?
Yes! Combine eyes, mouth, and decoration characters inside parentheses. Use special characters like ฯ, โ, ะ and decorations like โก, โ for originality.