Looking up...
笑顔
ega o
smile
彼女はいつも笑顔で挨拶してくれる。
She always greets me with a smile.
neutral
A facial expression showing happiness or friendliness by turning up the corners of the mouth.
母は優しい笑顔で私を迎えてくれた。
My mother welcomed me with a kind smile.
彼の笑顔は周りの人を明るくする。
His smile brightens up the people around him.
Can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Often associated with warmth and approachability.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Using 笑顔 in sentences
笑顔 is often used with verbs like 見せる (to show), 浮かべる (to wear), or 向ける (to direct). For example, '笑顔を向ける' means 'to smile at someone'.
Gold Rule
When to use 笑顔
Use 笑顔 when describing a smile that is visible on someone's face, especially in social or emotional contexts. Avoid using it for metaphorical or abstract smiles (e.g., 'a smile of relief' is better expressed as '安堵の表情').
Word Origin
笑顔 is a compound of 笑い (warai, 'laughter' or 'smile') and 顔 (kao, 'face'). The term emerged in the Edo period as a way to describe a smiling face, combining the action of smiling with the facial feature.
Usage Notes
笑顔 is a common term used in daily conversation to describe a genuine or polite smile. It can also be used in professional settings to describe a welcoming demeanor. In Japanese culture, maintaining a pleasant expression is often valued in social interactions.
Word Breakdown
笑い
laughter or smile
root顔
face
root和英辞典