1.
forced smile; polite smile
A smile that is not genuine but is put on to be polite, to smooth social interactions, or to avoid giving offense. Often carries a slightly negative nuance.
彼女は愛想笑いをした。
She gave a forced smile.
つまらない冗談に愛想笑いで返した。
I responded to the unfunny joke with a polite smile.
上司の話がつまらなくても、愛想笑いをするしかなかった。
Even though the boss's story was boring, I had no choice but to put on a fake smile.
USAGE:
Describes a smile put on for social purposes rather than from genuine feeling. Often used when describing workplace or social situations where one must appear pleasant. The verb pattern is 愛想笑いをする.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 愛想笑いをする (to put on a forced smile)
- 愛想笑いを浮かべる (to show a polite smile)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 作り笑い: a made-up smile — similar meaning, slightly more neutral
- 苦笑: a wry smile — a smile of embarrassment or awkwardness