くすくす

くすくす is onomatopoeia for quiet, suppressed giggling.

Usage

Describes the sound of quiet laughter, often suppressed or secretive. Commonly associated with children, young women, or people trying to hide their amusement.
Can imply:

• Secretive laughter (at someone's expense)
• Suppressed amusement
• Childish or shy laughter

Common patterns

• くすくす笑(わら)う: to giggle quietly
• くすくす笑(わら)い: a giggle
• くすくす笑(わら)い声(ごえ): sound of giggling

Related words

• げらげら: loud laughter
• にやにや: grinning, smirking
• くすっと: a single small chuckle
• ぷっと: a sudden burst of laughter