泣(な)き笑(わら)い

なきわらい
noun
laughing through tears; mixed tears and laughter
1. laughing through tears; mixed tears and laughter
the state of simultaneously crying and laughing, often from overwhelming emotion
感動(かんどう)のあまり泣(な)き笑(わら)いになった。
I was so moved that I started laughing and crying at the same time.
再会(さいかい)を喜(よろこ)んで泣(な)き笑(わら)いした。
We laughed and cried with joy at our reunion.
彼女(かのじょ)は泣(な)き笑(わら)いの表情(ひょうじょう)で「ありがとう」と言(い)った。
With tears and laughter mixed on her face, she said "thank you."

COMPOUND:
泣(な)く (to cry) + 笑(わら)い (laughter)

NUANCE:

This expression describes an emotionally complex moment when joy and sadness (or relief) mix together. Common during:

  • Reunions
  • Weddings
  • Graduations
  • Receiving unexpected good news

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 泣(な)き笑(わら)いする - to laugh and cry at the same time
  • 泣(な)き笑(わら)いの顔(かお) - a face with tears and laughter
  • 泣(な)き笑(わら)いになる - to end up laughing and crying

RELATED:

  • 嬉(うれ)し泣(な)き - tears of joy
  • 涙(なみだ)と笑顔(えがお) - tears and smiles
general
Added 2026.1.27 12:47
08000/08461_nakiwarai