1.
to sneer; to scoff; to sniff at; to laugh derisively
To express contempt or dismissal by laughing through one's nose - a derisive, mocking laugh that shows one looks down on something or someone.
Etymology
Describes a contemptuous laugh made through the nose - a snort or sniff that expresses derision.
Usage
Always negative. Expresses:
- Contempt
- Mockery
- Dismissiveness
- Looking down on someone/something
The sound described is like "ふん" or "はっ" - a derisive snort.
Common patterns
- 〜を鼻で笑う - to sneer at ~
- 鼻で笑われる (passive) - to be sneered at
Similar words
- 嘲笑する - to ridicule (more formal)
- 馬鹿にする - to make fun of, to look down on
- 小馬鹿にする - to slightly mock
- 鼻であしらう - to brush off contemptuously
- せせら笑う - to sneer, to laugh mockingly
Register
Neutral to informal. The action itself is considered rude, but the expression is commonly used to describe such behavior.
Related Words
Synonym:
嘲笑 (ridicule (formal))
Compare:
小馬鹿にする (to slightly mock)
Compare:
せせら笑う (to sneer)