1.
faint smile; smirk; sneer
A slight, often unsettling smile that suggests mockery, insincerity, or hidden intent. Almost always carries a negative connotation, unlike a genuine smile.
彼は薄ら笑いを浮かべた。
He let a smirk cross his face.
あの薄ら笑いが気味悪くて仕方がない。
That smirk is unbearably creepy.
謝罪会見で薄ら笑いを見せたことが批判を浴びた。
Showing a smirk during the apology press conference drew criticism.
USAGE:
薄ら笑い almost always has a negative connotation. It suggests the person is being insincere, mocking, or hiding something. It is not used for a genuine, warm smile.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 薄ら笑いを浮かべる (to show a smirk)
- 薄ら笑いを見せる (to display a smirk)
- 不気味な薄ら笑い (an eerie smirk)
SIMILAR WORDS:
苦笑い is a wry or bitter smile at something awkward. 薄ら笑い is more sinister or unsettling.