Japanese word

くすくす笑う

Pronunciation

Romajikusukusuwarau

Meaning

  • verbgiggle

Example

妹はおもしろい絵を見て、くすくす笑います。imōto wa o mo shi ro i e o mi te ku su ku su wara i ma su

My little sister sees a funny picture and giggles.

Illustration for くすくす笑う (giggle)

More examples

友達の冗談を思い出して、くすくす笑います。tomo dachi no jō dan o omo i da shi te ku su ku su wara i ma su

I remember my friend's joke and giggle.

Core concept

Refers to a subdued laugh that comes in brief, repeated sounds when a person finds something funny.

Common phrases

  • 小さな声でくすくす笑うchii sa na koe de ku su ku su wara u

    giggle softly

Similar words

笑うwarau: To make a laughing sound or smile when something is funny or pleasant.

Definition in Japanese

おもしろさやおかしさを感じ、声を抑えて小さく笑う。o mo shi ro sa ya o ka shi sa o kan ji koe o osa e te chii sa ku wara u

Word origin

The expression くすくす笑う (kusukusu warau) joins くすくす (kusukusu, "soft repeated laughter") with 笑う (warau, "to laugh"); the first part adds the manner of laughing.

Usage tips

  • In children's fiction, くすくす笑う (kusukusu warau) often shows a character's reaction through an action rather than a direct statement about feelings.

Related words

  • くすくす笑いkusukusuwaraigigglenoun

Word lists with this word