含(ふく)み笑(わら)い

ふくみわらい

noun

smothered laugh; suppressed smile; smirk

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(かのじょ)は含(ふく)み笑(わら)いをした。

She gave a knowing smile.

含(ふく)み笑(わら)いを浮(う)かべながら、秘密(ひみつ)を話(はな)し始(はじ)めた。

With a smirk on their face, they began to reveal the secret.

サプライズを知(し)っている友人(ゆうじん)は含(ふく)み笑(わら)いを隠(かく)せなかった。

My friend, who knew about the surprise, couldn't hide a knowing smile.

Composed of 含(ふく)み (holding in, containing) + 笑(わら)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(ふく)み笑(わら)いをする (give a suppressed laugh)
含(ふく)み笑(わら)いを浮(う)かべる (show a knowing smile)
含(ふく)み笑(わら)いを隠(かく)す (hide a smirk)
含(ふく)み笑(わら)いを漏(も)らす (let out a suppressed laugh)

Similar words

苦笑(くしょう) — wry smile, bitter smile (from embarrassment or awkwardness)
微笑(びしょう) — gentle smile (warm and open, without hidden meaning)
薄笑(うすわら)い — faint, slightly sinister smile (more negative connotation)
にやにや — grinning, smirking (onomatopoeia, often implying a sly or mischievous expression)

Related Words

Compare: 苦笑(くしょう) (wry smile, bitter smile)

Compare: 微笑(びしょう) (gentle smile)

Compare: 薄笑(うすわら)い (faint, slightly sinister smile)

general

Added 2026.3.30 4:22 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02

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