薄笑(うすわら)い

うすわらい
noun
smirk; faint smile
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.

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

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

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 薄笑(うすわら)いを浮(う)かべる - to wear a smirk
  • 薄笑(うすわら)いする - to smirk

RELATED SMILE/LAUGH VOCABULARY:

  • 苦笑(にがわら)い - bitter/wry smile
  • 照(て)れ笑(わら)い - embarrassed smile
  • 高笑(たかわら)い - loud laugh
  • 作(つく)り笑(わら)い - fake smile
general
Added 2026.1.27 12:47
08000/08455_usuwarai