1.
smothered laugh; suppressed smile; knowing smirk
A quiet, restrained laugh or smile that is partially hidden, often suggesting that the person knows something others do not, or is amused but trying not to show it.
彼女は含み笑いをした。
She gave a knowing smile.
含み笑いを浮かべながら、秘密を話し始めた。
With a smirk on their face, they began to reveal the secret.
サプライズを知っている友人は含み笑いを隠せなかった。
My friend, who knew about the surprise, couldn't hide a knowing smile.
Composed of 含み (holding in, containing) + 笑い (laugh, smile). The word conveys the image of a laugh or smile held partly inside, not fully expressed. Often suggests ulterior knowledge or amusement.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 含み笑いをする (give a suppressed laugh)
- 含み笑いを浮かべる (show a knowing smile)
- 含み笑いを隠す (hide a smirk)
- 含み笑いを漏らす (let out a suppressed laugh)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 苦笑 — wry smile, bitter smile (from embarrassment or awkwardness)
- 微笑 — gentle smile (warm and open, without hidden meaning)
- 薄笑い — faint, slightly sinister smile (more negative connotation)
- にやにや — grinning, smirking (onomatopoeia, often implying a sly or mischievous expression)