Translation guide
The English word "smile" refers to a facial expression showing pleasure, amusement, or friendliness. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 笑顔 (egao), but the choice depends on context, such as whether you are describing a smile, telling someone to smile, or talking about a specific type of smile.
Describing the act or appearance of smiling, often as a noun.
The most common and natural word for 'smile' as a facial expression. It literally means 'smiling face' and is used in most everyday contexts.
彼女の笑顔は素敵だ。
Her smile is lovely.
笑顔で挨拶する。
Greet with a smile.
A slightly more literary or gentle word for 'smile'. Often implies a soft, warm, or subtle smile.
彼の口元に微笑みが浮かんだ。
A smile appeared on his lips.
A somewhat formal or literary term for 'smile'. Often used in written language or set phrases.
彼女は笑みを浮かべた。
She gave a smile.
Describing the action of smiling.
The most common verb for 'to smile' or 'to laugh'. Context determines whether it means a smile or a laugh. Often used with adverbs like にこにこ (smilingly) to clarify.
彼はにこにこ笑った。
He smiled happily.
その赤ちゃんは私に笑いかけた。
The baby smiled at me.
Specifically means 'to smile' (not laugh). It implies a gentle, soft smile. More common in written or formal contexts.
Literally 'to become a smiling face', meaning 'to smile' or 'to break into a smile'. Emphasizes the change to a smiling expression.
その言葉を聞いて、彼は笑顔になった。
Hearing those words, he smiled.
Literally 'to show a smile'. Used when someone who was not smiling before starts to smile, often in a heartwarming context.
やっと彼が笑顔を見せた。
He finally smiled.
Giving an instruction or request to smile.
The most common way to say 'smile!' (literally 'laugh!'). Used when taking photos or encouraging someone to smile.
はい、笑って！
Okay, smile!
Means 'with a smile'. Often used as a gentle instruction, like 'give me a smile'.
笑顔でお願いします。
Please smile (for the photo).
An onomatopoeic word for a broad, cheerful smile. Sometimes used as an instruction, especially with children.
Describing a smile with a particular nuance or emotion.
Onomatopoeia for a cheerful, happy smile. Often used with 笑う or as an adverb.
彼はいつもにこにこしている。
He is always smiling cheerfully.
A 'bitter smile' or 'wry smile', showing embarrassment, discomfort, or resignation.
A 'faint smile' or 'slight smile', often with a negative connotation like a smirk or sneer.
笑顔 (egao) is the everyday word for 'smile'. 微笑み (hohoemi) is softer and more literary, often used in novels. 笑み (emi) is formal and somewhat stiff; you'll see it in set phrases like 笑みを浮かべる (to give a smile) but rarely in casual speech.
The loanword スマイル (sumairu) exists but is mostly used in brand names or as a playful English borrowing. It's not a natural way to say 'smile' in everyday Japanese.
彼女は美しい笑顔をしていた。
She had a beautiful smile.
カメラに向かって笑って！
Smile for the camera!
彼はその思い出に微笑んだ。
He smiled at the memory.
彼女は優しく微笑んだ。
She smiled gently.
にっこりして！
Give me a big smile!
彼は苦笑いを浮かべた。
He gave a wry smile.
A 'forced smile' or 'fake smile'. Literally 'manufactured laugh'.
彼女の作り笑いが痛々しかった。
Her forced smile was painful to see.
彼は薄笑いを浮かべていた。
He had a faint smile on his face.