Chinese word

笑一个

Pronunciation

Pinyinxiào yī gè

Meaning

verbsmile

Example

大家很紧张，你笑一个，缓解气氛。dà jiā hěn jǐn zhāng nǐ xiào yí gè huán jiě qì fēn

Everyone is very tense, so smile to lighten the mood.

More examples

拍照时请对着镜头笑一个。pāi zhào shí qǐng duì zhe jìng tóu xiào yí gè

When taking a photo, please smile at the camera.

Core concept

A quick, visible lift at the mouth offered to make a moment lighter.

Common phrases

给我笑一个gěi wǒ xiào yí gè
give me a smile
对着镜头笑一个duì zhe jìng tóu xiào yí gè
smile at the camera
大家笑一个吧dà jiā xiào yí gè ba
Everyone smile

Similar words

笑xiào: To smile as a natural way of showing joy, amusement, or another feeling.
微笑wēi xiào: To make a quiet, gentle smile with the corners of the mouth slightly raised.
笑一笑xiào yí xiào: A light spoken prompt to show a smile once by gently raising the corners of the mouth.
露出笑容lù chū xiào róng: To show a smile clearly on the face.

Definition in Chinese

口语中用来请求对方露出一次笑容，表示短促的一次性动作，相当于“笑一下”或“微笑一下”，常用于缓和气氛或拍照时。kóu yǔ zhōng yòng lái qǐng qiú duì fāng lù chū yí cì xiào róng biǎo shì duǎn cù de yí cì xìng dòng zuò xiāng dāng yú xiào yí xià huò wēi xiào yí xià cháng yòng yú huǎn hé qì fēn huò pāi zhào shí

Word origin

笑一个 (xiàoyīgè, "smile once") combines 笑 (xiào, "smile") with 一个 (yīgè, "one"), using 一个 to frame the action as a single, brief occurrence.

Usage tips

Its casual tone fits friends, group photos, and relaxed conversation, but it can sound too direct in a formal interaction.

Opposites

皱眉zhòu méifrownverb
哭kūcryverb