Japanese word

微笑

Pronunciation

Romajibishō

Meaning

  • nounsmile

Example

彼の微笑は、緊張を和らげました。kare no bi shō wa kin chō o yawa ra ge ma shi ta

His smile eased the tension.

Illustration for 微笑 (smile)

More examples

その知らせを聞いた母は、安堵の微笑を浮かべました。so no shi ra se o ki i ta haha wa an do no bi shō o u ka be ma shi ta

After hearing the news, my mother wore a relieved smile.

Core concept

Centers on a small, gentle change in the face that conveys warmth or quiet feeling.

Common phrases

  • 微笑を浮かべるbi shō o u ka be ru

    wear a smile

  • 微笑を見せるbi shō o mi se ru

    show a smile

  • 微笑がこぼれるbi shō ga ko bo re ru

    break into a smile

Similar words

笑顔egao: A facial expression that shows happiness or friendliness, often with the lips turned upward.
笑みemi: A smile that appears on the face to express pleasure, warmth, or amusement.

Definition in Japanese

口元をわずかにゆるめて表す穏やかな笑い。kuchi moto o wa zu ka ni yu ru me te arawa su oda ya ka na wara i

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound combines 微 (bi, "slight") and 笑 (shō, "smile or laugh") to denote a slight, gentle smile.

Usage tips

  • In English, smile can be a verb as well as a noun, whereas 微笑 (bishō) names the smile rather than the act of smiling.

Opposites

  • しかめ面shikametsurafrownnoun

Related words

  • 微笑むhohoemusmileverb
  • 微笑みhohoemismilenoun
  • 微笑ましいhohoemashiiheartwarmingi-adjective

Word lists with this word