薄(うす)ら笑(わら)い

うすらわらい

noun

faint smile; smirk; sneer

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(かれ)は薄(うす)ら笑(わら)いを浮(う)かべた。

He let a smirk cross his face.

あの薄(うす)ら笑(わら)いが気味(きみ)悪(わる)くて仕方(しかた)がない。

That smirk is unbearably creepy.

謝罪会見(しゃざいかいけん)で薄(うす)ら笑(わら)いを見(み)せたことが批判(ひはん)を浴(あ)びた。

Showing a smirk during the apology press conference drew criticism.

Usage

薄(うす)ら笑(わら)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(うす)ら笑(わら)いを浮(う)かべる (to show a smirk)
薄(うす)ら笑(わら)いを見(み)せる (to display a smirk)
不気味(ぶきみ)な薄(うす)ら笑(わら)い (an eerie smirk)

Similar words

苦笑(くしょう)い is a wry or bitter smile at something awkward. 薄(うす)ら笑(わら)い is more sinister or unsettling.

Related Words

Compare: 苦笑(にがわら)い (wry smile)

general

Added 2026.3.18 23:41 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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