薄笑(うすわら)い

うすわらい
noun
smirk; faint smile
emotionexpression
1. smirk; faint smile; half-smile
a subtle, often sardonic or knowing smile that may suggest contempt, amusement, or hidden thoughts
薄笑(うすわら)いを浮(う)かべる。
To wear a smirk.
彼(かれ)は薄笑(うすわら)いを浮(う)かべながら話(はなし)を聞(き)いていた。
He listened to the story with a smirk on his face.
あの薄笑(うすわら)いが気(き)に入(い)らない。
I don't like that smirk of his.

Etymology

薄(うす)い (thin, faint) + 笑(わら)い (smile, laugh)

Usage

Often has a negative connotation, suggesting mockery, contempt, or that the person knows something others don't. Can appear unsettling or sinister.

Common patterns

RELATED WORDS (other smiles and laughs):

Related Words

Compare: 高笑(たかわら)い (loud laugh)
Related: 苦笑(にがわら)い (bitter/wry smile)
Related: 照(て)れ笑(わら)い (embarrassed smile)
Related: 作(つく)り笑(わら)い (fake smile)
Compare: 含(ふく)み笑(わら)い (smothered laugh)
general
Added 2026.1.27 12:47 · Revised 2026.10.13 4:13
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