へらへら
へらへら
adverb, verb (suru)
grinning foolishly
1.
grinning foolishly, laughing emptily
Describing an insincere or inappropriate smile or laugh; being frivolous.
へらへら笑うな。
Don't grin like a fool.
彼はいつもへらへらしている。
He's always acting frivolously.
へらへらした態度が気に入らない。
I don't like his frivolous attitude.
へらへら笑っていないで、真面目にしなさい。
Stop grinning foolishly and be serious.
大事な話をしているのに、へらへらしていて腹が立った。
I was angry that he was being frivolous while we were having an important conversation.
へらへら is an onomatopoeic expression describing an insincere, foolish, or inappropriate smile/laugh.
CONNOTATION:
Generally negative—suggests lack of seriousness or inappropriate frivolity.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- へらへら笑う: to grin/laugh foolishly
- へらへらする: to act frivolously
- へらへらした態度: frivolous attitude
CONTRAST:
- にこにこ: pleasant, genuine smile (positive)
- にやにや: smirk, grin (often negative)
- げらげら: loud laughter