Japanese word

笑み

Pronunciation

Romajiemi

Meaning

  • nounsmile

Example

先生の顔に笑みが浮かびます。sen sei no kao ni e mi ga u ka bi ma su

A smile appears on the teacher's face.

Illustration for 笑み (smile)

More examples

合格の知らせを聞くと、彼女は思わず笑みをこぼしました。gō kaku no shi ra se o ki ku to kano jo wa omo wa zu e mi o ko bo shi ma shi ta

When she heard the news that she had passed, she could not help but break into a smile.

Core concept

Describes a gentle facial expression that naturally shows pleasure, warmth, or relief.

Common phrases

  • 笑みを浮かべるe mi o u ka be ru

    wear a smile

  • 笑みをこぼすe mi o ko bo su

    break into a smile

  • 満面の笑みman men no e mi

    broad smile

Similar words

微笑みhohoemi: A gentle smile that conveys warmth, kindness, or quiet pleasure.
笑顔egao: A facial expression that shows happiness through a smile.

Definition in Japanese

人の顔に表れる、うれしさや満足などの気持ちを示す表情。hito no kao ni arawa re ru u re shi sa ya man zoku na do no ki mo chi o shime su hyō jō

Word origin

The noun 笑み (emi, "smile") is formed from 笑む (emu, "to smile") with み (mi, a noun-forming suffix).

Usage tips

  • Compared with grin, 笑み (emi, "smile") usually suggests a gentle or restrained expression rather than a broad display of the teeth.

Other meanings

  • grinnoun

Opposites

  • しかめ面shikametsurafrownnoun

Word lists with this word