At the A1 level, you can think of 'chuckles' as a small, quiet laugh. It is not a big 'HA HA HA' sound. It is a soft sound you make when you are happy or think something is a little bit funny. For example, if you see a cute dog, you might chuckle. It is a very friendly word. You can use it when you want to say someone is laughing but they are not being loud. It is easy to remember: it is like a 'small laugh.' You usually say 'He chuckles' or 'She chuckles.' It is a good word to use instead of just saying 'laughs' all the time. It makes your English sound more interesting even at the beginning. Just remember it is a quiet sound from your throat.
For A2 learners, 'chuckles' is a useful verb to describe a specific way of laughing. It means to laugh quietly, often because you are thinking of something funny or you are amused by what someone said. It is different from 'crying' or 'shouting.' It is a positive action. You will often see it in simple stories. For example: 'The man chuckles when he sees the boy's funny hat.' It shows that the man is not angry, but he is happy. You should use it when the laughter is not loud enough to disturb other people. It is a 'gentle' laugh. Practice using it with the word 'at,' like 'She chuckles at the cat.' This is the most common way to use it in a sentence.
At the B1 level, you should understand that 'chuckles' implies a certain level of internal amusement. It is a suppressed laugh, meaning the person might be trying to keep it quiet or it's just a natural, low-key reaction. It is often used to show a character's personality—someone who is calm, kind, or has a dry sense of humor. You can use adverbs to change the meaning, such as 'chuckles softly' or 'chuckles nervously.' It is an intransitive verb, so you don't chuckle an object; you chuckle 'at' something or you 'chuckle to yourself.' This word is very common in novels and helps you describe scenes more vividly than using the general word 'laugh.' It suggests the laughter is brief and not very loud.
B2 learners should recognize 'chuckles' as a nuanced alternative to 'laughs' that conveys a specific tone and volume. It often suggests a sense of superiority, knowingness, or genuine but contained warmth. In a professional or social setting, a chuckle is a socially acceptable way to acknowledge humor without losing one's composure. You might encounter it in more complex literature where a character 'chuckles dryly' to indicate they find a situation ironic rather than truly funny. It is also important to distinguish it from 'giggling' (which can seem childish) or 'snickering' (which can seem mean). Using 'chuckles' correctly in your writing shows that you can describe human behavior with precision and an understanding of social context.
At the C1 level, you should be able to use 'chuckles' to convey subtle shades of meaning in characterization and narrative voice. A chuckle can be sardonic, paternal, conspiratorial, or self-deprecating. It is a tool for showing, not just telling, a character's internal state. For instance, a character who 'chuckles darkly' reveals a cynical worldview. You should also be aware of the word's etymology (related to 'chuck') and its place in the 'laughter' hierarchy. It is a sophisticated choice for describing a reaction that is intellectual as much as it is emotional. In advanced writing, 'chuckles' can be used to punctuate dialogue, providing a rhythmic break and indicating the speaker's mood without the need for lengthy explanation.
For C2 mastery, 'chuckles' should be understood in its full literary and psychological breadth. It is a verb that captures the intersection of mirth and restraint. You should be able to analyze how a 'chuckle' functions in a text to establish power dynamics—for example, a mentor chuckling at a protégé's mistake can be either encouraging or belittling depending on the context. You should also be comfortable with its use in various registers, from the 'jolly chuckle' of a Dickensian character to the 'clipped chuckle' of a modern corporate thriller. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are using it to manipulate the reader's perception of tone, irony, and character depth, recognizing it as a quintessential element of English descriptive prose.

chuckles 30秒で

  • A chuckle is a quiet, soft laugh often used to show mild amusement or internal happiness without being loud or disruptive to others nearby.
  • This verb describes a suppressed form of laughter, typically originating in the throat, and is frequently found in literature to characterize a person's reaction.
  • It is a versatile word that can convey warmth, irony, or even nervousness, depending on the context and the adverbs used to describe the action.
  • In social settings, chuckling is a polite way to acknowledge humor while maintaining a level of decorum and composure in professional or formal environments.

The word chuckles refers to the act of laughing in a quiet, often suppressed or inward manner. Unlike a boisterous laugh or a loud guffaw, a chuckle is subtle, typically originating from the throat rather than the chest. It suggests a state of mild amusement, secret satisfaction, or even a gentle response to something slightly absurd. When someone chuckles, they are often reacting to a private thought, a clever remark, or a small, funny event that doesn't require a full-blown emotional outburst. It is a very 'controlled' form of laughter, often used in social situations where one wants to show appreciation for humor without drawing too much attention to oneself. In literature, authors use this verb to characterize a person as being good-natured, observant, or perhaps slightly mischievous. It is a versatile verb that bridges the gap between a smile and a full laugh.

Social Context
Chuckling is often seen as a polite way to acknowledge a joke in a professional or quiet setting, such as a library or a formal meeting.
Physical Action
It involves a rhythmic contraction of the diaphragm but with the mouth often closed or only slightly parted, resulting in a low-frequency sound.
Emotional Range
It can range from genuine warmth and kindness to a dry, cynical acknowledgement of life's ironies.

The professor chuckles as he reads the clever pun written in the margin of the student's essay.

Grandfather chuckles to himself while watching the kittens chase their own tails in the garden.

She chuckles softly, trying not to wake the sleeping baby in the next room.

Every time he remembers that silly mistake, he chuckles at the sheer absurdity of it.

The audience chuckles at the comedian's subtle dry wit during the opening monologue.

In terms of frequency, 'chuckles' is a staple of English narrative prose. It provides a way for writers to show a character's reaction without interrupting the flow of dialogue with a loud event. It suggests a certain level of maturity or composure. A child might giggle or shriek, but an adult often chuckles. This distinction is important for learners to grasp as it relates to the 'register' or tone of the conversation. If you are describing a scene in a book or a movie, using 'chuckles' adds a layer of sophistication to your vocabulary that 'laughs' simply doesn't reach. It implies a specific volume, duration, and intent.

Using chuckles correctly involves understanding its grammatical behavior and the adverbs that typically accompany it. As a verb, it is primarily intransitive, meaning it doesn't usually take a direct object. You don't 'chuckle a joke'; instead, you 'chuckle at a joke.' This prepositional relationship is crucial for natural-sounding English. Furthermore, 'chuckles' is the third-person singular form, used with subjects like he, she, it, or a singular noun. For other subjects, you would use 'chuckle' (I chuckle, they chuckle). The past tense is 'chuckled,' and the continuous form is 'chuckling.'

Common Adverbs
Softly, quietly, dryly, warmly, nervously, darkly, and inwardly are all frequent companions to this verb.
Prepositional Use
Use 'at' to indicate the cause of the amusement: 'He chuckles at the memory.'
Reflexive Use
'Chuckling to oneself' is a very common idiom meaning to laugh quietly without intending others to hear.

Whenever the cat misses a jump, Sarah chuckles under her breath.

The old sailor chuckles hoarsely as he recounts his tales of the high seas.

He chuckles dryly, finding no real humor in the tragic irony of the situation.

In descriptive writing, 'chuckles' can be used to set the mood. A character who chuckles is often perceived as being in control, relaxed, or possessing a good sense of humor. It is a 'low-energy' verb compared to 'roars' or 'bursts out laughing.' This makes it perfect for intimate scenes, internal monologues, or moments of quiet reflection. When you use 'chuckles,' you are telling the reader that the amusement is contained and personal. It is an excellent word for character development, as the way a person chuckles can reveal much about their personality—whether it is a kind, warm chuckle or a cold, mocking one.

While you might not hear the word chuckles spoken aloud as often as 'laughs,' you will encounter it constantly in written English and narrated media. It is a favorite of novelists, screenwriters, and journalists. In audiobooks, the narrator will often perform a chuckle when the text says 'he chuckles,' giving you a clear auditory example of the sound. You will also hear it in podcasts where hosts share inside jokes or in interviews when a guest finds a question particularly amusing but wants to remain professional. It is also common in 'cozy' genres of fiction, like cozy mysteries or romance, where the atmosphere is generally warm and the humor is gentle.

Audiobooks
Narrators use a specific 'throat-laugh' to represent this verb, often lowering their pitch.
Sitcoms and Movies
Characters often chuckle to show they are 'in on the joke' without breaking the scene's tension.
News Commentary
Pundits might chuckle at a particularly ridiculous political development or a witty retort.

The podcast host chuckles as his co-host tells a story about a failed cooking experiment.

In everyday speech, people might say, 'He gave a little chuckle,' using it as a noun, but the verb form 'he chuckles' is more common when describing ongoing or habitual behavior. For example, 'My dad always chuckles when he sees that commercial.' It describes a predictable, characteristic reaction. Understanding where you hear it helps you realize that it's not just a synonym for 'laugh,' but a specific tool for describing a specific type of human interaction. It's about the texture of the sound and the intent behind the emotion.

One of the most common mistakes learners make with chuckles is using it to describe any kind of laughter. It is vital to remember that a chuckle is never loud. If someone is laughing so hard they can't breathe, they are not chuckling; they are 'howling' or 'doubled over.' Another mistake is confusing the verb with the noun. While 'a chuckle' (noun) is common, 'he chuckles' (verb) requires the 's' only in the third-person singular present tense. Many learners also forget the preposition 'at' and try to use the verb transitively, which is grammatically incorrect in most standard contexts.

Mistaken Intensity
Don't use 'chuckles' for a loud, explosive laugh. Use 'guffaws' or 'roars' instead.
Subject-Verb Agreement
Remember: 'They chuckle' but 'He chuckles.' This is a basic but frequent error.
Confusion with 'Giggle'
A giggle is high-pitched and often associated with children or nervousness. A chuckle is lower and more mature.

Incorrect: He chuckles the joke. Correct: He chuckles at the joke.

Finally, avoid overusing 'chuckles' in creative writing. If every character chuckles after every line of dialogue, the word loses its impact and the characters start to seem repetitive. Use it sparingly to highlight moments of genuine, quiet amusement. Also, be aware of the 'sinister chuckle' trope in movies—sometimes a character chuckles to show they have a secret, evil plan. This is a specific context where the chuckle isn't friendly, but rather a sign of overconfidence or malice. Always look at the surrounding sentences to determine the 'flavor' of the chuckle being described.

To truly master chuckles, you must know how it compares to its synonyms. English has a vast vocabulary for laughter, each with its own nuance. 'Chortle' is perhaps the closest relative, combining a chuckle and a snort (a word famously coined by Lewis Carroll). 'Giggle' is lighter and sillier. 'Snicker' or 'snigger' often has a mean-spirited or disrespectful undertone, like laughing at someone's mistake behind their back. 'Titter' is a very small, nervous laugh, often high-pitched. Understanding these differences allows you to be much more precise in your descriptions.

Chuckle vs. Chortle
A chuckle is just a quiet laugh; a chortle is louder and expresses more gleeful satisfaction.
Chuckle vs. Snicker
A chuckle is usually kind or neutral; a snicker is often mocking or secretive.
Chuckle vs. Guffaw
A chuckle is a 'small' sound; a guffaw is a 'big,' loud, and sudden burst of laughter.

While he chuckles warmly at the child's story, his brother snickers at the child's messy face.

Choosing the right word depends on the character's personality and the situation. If you want to show someone is genuinely happy in a quiet way, 'chuckles' is perfect. If you want to show they are being a bit immature, 'giggles' works better. If they are being a bit of a villain, 'snickers' or 'cackles' might be the way to go. By learning these alternatives, you move beyond basic English and start to express the subtle complexities of human emotion and social behavior. Practice swapping 'chuckles' with these other words in your writing to see how it changes the entire mood of the scene.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

The word 'chuckle' is an example of onomatopoeia, where the word itself sounds like the action it describes—the 'ch' and 'ck' sounds mimic the rhythmic throat movements.

発音ガイド

UK /ˈtʃʌk.əlz/
US /ˈtʃʌk.əlz/
The stress is on the first syllable: CHUCK-les.
韻が合う語
buckles knuckles truckles suckles muckles shuckles cluckles huckles
よくある間違い
  • Pronouncing the 'u' like 'oo' (chook-les).
  • Making the 's' sound like a sharp 's' instead of a 'z'.
  • Adding an extra vowel sound between 'k' and 'l'.
  • Pronouncing the 'ch' like 'sh' (shuckles).
  • Dropping the 's' when referring to a third-person singular subject.

難易度

読解 3/5

Common in books, easy to recognize from context.

ライティング 4/5

Requires understanding of third-person 's' and prepositions.

スピーキング 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward but 'ch' and 'ck' need clarity.

リスニング 2/5

Distinctive sound, usually easy to hear in narration.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

laugh smile happy quiet joke

次に学ぶ

giggle chortle snicker mirth amusement

上級

sardonic wry ironic suppressed vocalized

知っておくべき文法

Third-Person Singular -s

He chuckles (Correct) vs. He chuckle (Incorrect).

Intransitive Verbs

He chuckles at the joke. (Needs 'at')

Adverbs of Manner

She chuckles *softly*.

Present Participle as Adjective

He has a *chuckling* voice.

Gerunds

*Chuckling* is good for your health.

レベル別の例文

1

He chuckles at the funny dog.

Il rit doucement du chien rigolo.

Third-person singular present tense.

2

She chuckles when she sees the toy.

Elle rit doucement quand elle voit le jouet.

Uses 'when' to show the cause.

3

The baby chuckles.

Le bébé rit doucement.

Simple subject-verb structure.

4

My dad chuckles at my joke.

Mon papa rit doucement de ma blague.

Uses the preposition 'at'.

5

They chuckle together.

Ils rient doucement ensemble.

Plural subject, so no 's' on the verb.

6

I chuckle at the cat.

Je ris doucement du chat.

First-person singular.

7

He chuckles a little bit.

Il rit un petit peu.

Adverbial phrase 'a little bit'.

8

She chuckles every day.

Elle rit doucement chaque jour.

Shows a habit.

1

The teacher chuckles at the student's clever answer.

L'enseignant rit doucement de la réponse intelligente de l'élève.

Possessive 'student's'.

2

He chuckles to himself while reading a book.

Il rit doucement tout seul en lisant un livre.

Idiom 'to himself'.

3

She chuckles softly so she doesn't wake the baby.

Elle rit doucement pour ne pas réveiller le bébé.

Adverb 'softly' and purpose clause.

4

The old man chuckles when he remembers the past.

Le vieil homme rit doucement quand il se souvient du passé.

Temporal clause with 'when'.

5

We all chuckle at the funny movie scene.

Nous rions tous doucement de la scène drôle du film.

Plural subject 'we'.

6

He chuckles because the story is very silly.

Il rit doucement parce que l'histoire est très bête.

Conjunction 'because'.

7

She chuckles and shakes her head.

Elle rit doucement et secoue la tête.

Compound predicate.

8

The chef chuckles as he tastes the soup.

Le chef rit doucement en goûtant la soupe.

Simultaneous action with 'as'.

1

He chuckles nervously before starting his presentation.

Il rit nerveusement avant de commencer sa présentation.

Adverb of manner 'nervously'.

2

The narrator chuckles at the irony of the situation.

Le narrateur rit doucement de l'ironie de la situation.

Abstract noun 'irony'.

3

She chuckles warmly, making everyone feel at ease.

Elle rit chaleureusement, mettant tout le monde à l'aise.

Participle phrase for result.

4

He often chuckles to himself when he's alone.

Il rit souvent tout seul quand il est seul.

Adverb of frequency 'often'.

5

The audience chuckles at the comedian's dry wit.

Le public rit doucement de l'humour pince-sans-rire du comédien.

Collective noun 'audience'.

6

She chuckles under her breath during the long meeting.

Elle rit doucement dans sa barbe pendant la longue réunion.

Idiom 'under her breath'.

7

He chuckles at the memory of their first date.

Il rit doucement au souvenir de leur premier rendez-vous.

Noun phrase 'the memory of...'

8

The doctor chuckles kindly at the child's question.

Le médecin rit gentiment de la question de l'enfant.

Adverb 'kindly'.

1

The CEO chuckles dismissively at the competitor's claims.

Le PDG rit avec dédain des affirmations du concurrent.

Adverb 'dismissively' shows attitude.

2

He chuckles dryly, acknowledging the grim reality of the news.

Il rit d'un ton sec, reconnaissant la sombre réalité des nouvelles.

Adverb 'dryly' for ironic humor.

3

She chuckles in disbelief when she hears the incredible story.

Elle rit d'incrédulité quand elle entend l'histoire incroyable.

Prepositional phrase 'in disbelief'.

4

The author chuckles as he describes his eccentric characters.

L'auteur rit doucement en décrivant ses personnages excentriques.

Complex sentence structure.

5

He chuckles, a sound that suggests he knows more than he's saying.

Il rit doucement, un son qui suggère qu'il en sait plus qu'il n'en dit.

Appositive phrase describing the sound.

6

The detective chuckles as the final piece of the puzzle falls into place.

Le détective rit doucement alors que la dernière pièce du puzzle s'emboîte.

Metaphorical context.

7

She chuckles at the sheer audacity of his request.

Elle rit de l'audace pure de sa demande.

Noun 'audacity'.

8

He chuckles, but his eyes remain serious and focused.

Il rit doucement, mais ses yeux restent sérieux et concentrés.

Contrast using 'but'.

1

The elder statesman chuckles sardonically at the naive proposal.

Le vieil homme d'État rit sardoniquement de la proposition naïve.

Adverb 'sardonically' for high-level nuance.

2

She chuckles with a hint of melancholy, reflecting on lost time.

Elle rit avec une pointe de mélancolie, réfléchissant au temps perdu.

Complex emotional description.

3

He chuckles, the sound echoing hollowly in the empty hallway.

Il rit doucement, le son résonnant sourdement dans le couloir vide.

Absolute construction for atmosphere.

4

The critic chuckles at the artist's desperate attempt to be profound.

Le critique rit doucement de la tentative désespérée de l'artiste d'être profond.

Complex noun phrase as object of 'at'.

5

She chuckles to herself, a private indulgence in a public space.

Elle rit doucement pour elle-même, une indulgence privée dans un espace public.

Appositive for character insight.

6

He chuckles, his mirth tempered by the gravity of the situation.

Il rit doucement, sa gaieté tempérée par la gravité de la situation.

Passive participle phrase.

7

The professor chuckles at the etymological root of the word.

Le professeur rit doucement de la racine étymologique du mot.

Academic context.

8

She chuckles, a brief lapse in her otherwise stoic demeanor.

Elle rit doucement, un bref écart dans son comportement par ailleurs stoïque.

Advanced vocabulary 'stoic demeanor'.

1

The protagonist chuckles, a sound that serves as a grim punctuation to his monologue.

Le protagoniste rit doucement, un son qui sert de ponctuation sinistre à son monologue.

Metaphorical use of 'punctuation'.

2

He chuckles, seemingly oblivious to the palpable tension in the room.

Il rit doucement, semblant inconscient de la tension palpable dans la pièce.

Adverbial phrase 'seemingly oblivious'.

3

She chuckles, her voice carrying a resonance of ancient, weary wisdom.

Elle rit doucement, sa voix portant une résonance de sagesse ancienne et lasse.

Highly descriptive, evocative language.

4

He chuckles at the cosmic joke that is human existence.

Il rit doucement de la plaisanterie cosmique qu'est l'existence humaine.

Philosophical/Abstract context.

5

The antagonist chuckles, a chilling sound that precedes his final move.

L'antagoniste rit doucement, un son glaçant qui précède son dernier geste.

Participial phrase for foreshadowing.

6

She chuckles, the sound a delicate filigree against the silence.

Elle rit doucement, le son étant un filigrane délicat contre le silence.

Advanced metaphor 'filigree'.

7

He chuckles, a reflexive response to the absurdity of his own failure.

Il rit doucement, une réponse réflexe à l'absurdité de son propre échec.

Psychological description.

8

The narrator chuckles, inviting the reader to share in the character's folly.

Le narrateur rit doucement, invitant le lecteur à partager la folie du personnage.

Literary analysis context.

よく使う組み合わせ

chuckles softly
chuckles quietly
chuckles dryly
chuckles nervously
chuckles warmly
chuckles inwardly
chuckles at the thought
chuckles with delight
low chuckle
gives a chuckle

よく使うフレーズ

chuckle to oneself

— To laugh quietly without intending for others to hear or participate.

I had to chuckle to myself when I saw his mismatched socks.

give a little chuckle

— To produce a brief, quiet laugh.

He gave a little chuckle and then continued reading.

a hearty chuckle

— A warm, genuine, and slightly louder quiet laugh.

The old man let out a hearty chuckle at the story.

chuckle at the memory

— To laugh quietly while remembering a past event.

Years later, they still chuckle at the memory of that trip.

a dry chuckle

— A quiet laugh that lacks warmth and often suggests irony or cynicism.

He gave a dry chuckle when he saw the bill.

chuckle under one's breath

— To laugh very quietly, almost silently, often to avoid being heard.

She chuckled under her breath during the serious speech.

suppress a chuckle

— To try to stop oneself from laughing quietly.

It was hard to suppress a chuckle when the cat fell off the sofa.

a low chuckle

— A chuckle with a deep, bass-like sound.

A low chuckle came from the shadows of the room.

chuckle with amusement

— To laugh quietly because something is funny.

The audience chuckled with amusement at the play.

cause a chuckle

— To make someone laugh quietly.

His witty comment caused a chuckle among the staff.

よく混同される語

chuckles vs chuckle (noun)

The verb is the action; the noun is the sound itself.

chuckles vs chuck (verb)

To throw something carelessly. Very different meaning!

chuckles vs cluck (verb)

The sound a chicken makes. Related but not the same.

慣用句と表現

"chuckle to oneself"

— To be privately amused by something without sharing it with others.

He sat in the corner, chuckling to himself over the comic book.

neutral
"get a chuckle out of"

— To find something funny or amusing.

I really got a chuckle out of that video you sent me.

informal
"chuckle one's head off"

— To laugh very much (though usually 'laugh one's head off' is more common).

He was chuckling his head off at the cartoon.

informal
"worth a chuckle"

— Something that is mildly funny but not hilarious.

The joke wasn't great, but it was worth a chuckle.

neutral
"chuckle in the face of"

— To show a lack of fear or a sense of irony in a difficult situation.

He chuckles in the face of danger.

literary
"a chuckle a minute"

— Used sarcastically to describe something that is not funny at all, or literally for something very funny.

This meeting is just a chuckle a minute, isn't it?

sarcastic
"chuckle with the best of them"

— To be able to laugh and enjoy humor as much as anyone else.

Even though he's serious, he can chuckle with the best of them.

neutral
"give someone the chuckles"

— To make someone start laughing quietly.

That story always gives me the chuckles.

informal
"a knowing chuckle"

— A laugh that shows the person understands a secret or a hidden meaning.

She gave a knowing chuckle when I mentioned his name.

neutral
"chuckle all the way to the bank"

— To be very happy about making a lot of money, especially easily.

After selling his company, he's chuckling all the way to the bank.

informal

間違えやすい

chuckles vs giggle

Both are types of laughter.

Giggle is high-pitched and silly; chuckle is low and mature.

The child giggles; the grandfather chuckles.

chuckles vs snicker

Both are quiet.

Snicker is often mean or disrespectful; chuckle is usually kind.

He snickers at her mistake; he chuckles at her joke.

chuckles vs chortle

Both are literary terms for quiet laughter.

Chortle is more joyful and involves a snort.

He chortles with glee.

chuckles vs titter

Both are small laughs.

Titter is nervous and high-pitched.

The nervous students tittered.

chuckles vs smirk

Both show amusement.

Smirk is a facial expression (a smile); chuckle is a sound.

He smirks and then chuckles.

文型パターン

A1

Subject + chuckles.

The boy chuckles.

A2

Subject + chuckles + at + noun.

He chuckles at the dog.

B1

Subject + chuckles + adverb.

She chuckles softly.

B1

Subject + chuckles + to + oneself.

I chuckle to myself.

B2

Subject + chuckles + as + clause.

He chuckles as he reads.

C1

Subject + chuckles + with + abstract noun.

She chuckles with irony.

C1

Noun + makes + subject + chuckle.

The memory makes him chuckle.

C2

Participle phrase, Subject + chuckles.

Shaking his head, he chuckles.

語族

名詞

chuckle (the act of laughing)
chuckler (a person who chuckles)

動詞

chuckle (to laugh quietly)
chuckled (past tense)
chuckling (present participle)

形容詞

chucklesome (causing laughter - rare)
chuckle-headed (stupid - informal/dated)

関連

laugh
giggle
chortle
snicker
mirth

使い方

frequency

Common in written English, moderate in spoken English.

よくある間違い
  • He chuckle at the joke. He chuckles at the joke.

    You must add the 's' for third-person singular (he/she/it).

  • He chuckles the joke. He chuckles at the joke.

    The verb 'chuckle' needs the preposition 'at' before the object.

  • The baby chuckles loudly. The baby laughs loudly.

    A chuckle is quiet by definition. You cannot chuckle loudly.

  • I am chuckles. I am chuckling.

    Use the '-ing' form for the continuous present tense.

  • He gave a chuckles. He gave a chuckle.

    When used as a noun after 'a', do not use the plural 's' unless there are many.

ヒント

Use with Adverbs

Always try to add an adverb like 'softly' or 'dryly' to 'chuckles' to make your writing more descriptive.

Preposition 'At'

Remember to use 'at' when you mention what caused the chuckle: 'He chuckles at the cat.'

Avoid Overuse

If you use 'chuckles' too many times in one paragraph, it becomes boring. Mix it up with 'smiles' or 'nods.'

The 'Z' Sound

Make sure the 's' at the end of 'chuckles' sounds like a 'z' to sound more natural.

Polite Laughter

Use a chuckle in social situations where a loud laugh might be too much.

Character Building

Use 'chuckles' to show a character is calm and has a good sense of humor.

Self-Amusement

The phrase 'chuckle to oneself' is a great way to describe someone thinking of a private joke.

Context Clues

If you hear a low, rhythmic sound in a movie, it's likely a chuckle.

Show, Don't Tell

Instead of saying 'He was happy,' say 'He chuckles as he looks at the photo.'

Check the Tone

A chuckle can be kind or mean, so always look at the situation to understand the meaning.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of a 'CHUCK' (a friendly guy) who 'LES' (less) laughs loudly. He just chuckles.

視覚的連想

Imagine a small, bubbling brook. The sound is quiet and constant, much like a gentle chuckle.

Word Web

laughter quiet amusement throat smile joke soft happy

チャレンジ

Try to use 'chuckles' in a sentence describing a cat, a grandfather, and a secret.

語源

The word 'chuckle' originated in the mid-16th century as a frequentative of the verb 'chuck,' which meant to make a sound like a hen (cluck).

元の意味: It originally referred to the sound of a hen clucking or a person making a similar sound in the throat.

Germanic / English

文化的な背景

Generally a very safe and positive word, but be careful of the 'mocking chuckle' in sensitive situations.

Often used to describe 'dad humor' or grandfatherly warmth.

Santa Claus (Ho ho ho is a type of chuckle) Gandalf in Lord of the Rings often chuckles at the hobbits The 'Chuckle Brothers' (UK comedy duo)

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Reading a book

  • chuckles at a passage
  • chuckles to oneself
  • a quiet chuckle
  • softly chuckles

Watching a pet

  • chuckles at the cat
  • makes me chuckle
  • can't help but chuckle
  • gentle chuckle

A polite conversation

  • chuckles politely
  • a brief chuckle
  • chuckles in agreement
  • warm chuckle

Remembering the past

  • chuckles at the memory
  • still chuckles about it
  • gives a nostalgic chuckle
  • chuckles fondly

Hearing a pun

  • chuckles at the pun
  • dry chuckle
  • forced chuckle
  • inevitable chuckle

会話のきっかけ

"What is something small that always makes you chuckle when you think about it?"

"Do you prefer a loud laugh or a quiet chuckle when you are in a library?"

"Have you ever had to suppress a chuckle in a very serious meeting?"

"Who is the person in your family who chuckles the most?"

"Does your favorite movie character chuckle or laugh out loud?"

日記のテーマ

Describe a time when you saw someone chuckle to themselves. What do you think they were thinking about?

Write about a funny memory that still makes you chuckle every time it pops into your head.

Compare the sound of a chuckle to the sound of a giggle. Which one do you like more and why?

Imagine a character who never laughs loudly but only chuckles. Describe their personality in detail.

Why is chuckling considered more 'polite' than a loud guffaw in certain social situations?

よくある質問

10 問

Yes, usually. It suggests warmth and amusement. However, it can be negative if someone chuckles at another person's misfortune, which is called a 'mocking chuckle.'

No. A chuckle is by definition quiet. For a loud laugh, use 'guffaw' or 'roar.'

'He chuckles' is the correct grammar for the third-person singular in the present tense. 'He chuckle' is incorrect.

It is used frequently as both. As a verb: 'He chuckles.' As a noun: 'He gave a chuckle.'

Literally, no, but in stories, we often describe animals as chuckling to give them human-like qualities (personification).

It means to laugh quietly when you are alone or when you don't want others to hear you.

It is neutral. It is perfectly fine to use in formal writing like a novel, but in a very formal business report, you might just say 'laughed' or 'expressed amusement.'

The past tense is 'chuckled.'

A dry chuckle is a quiet laugh that sounds a bit cynical or shows that you find something ironic rather than truly funny.

Yes, it is a very common word in English literature and storytelling.

自分をテスト 200 問

writing

Write a sentence about a boy and a funny dog using 'chuckles'.

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writing

Write a sentence about a girl reading a book using 'chuckles to herself'.

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writing

Describe a character who is nervous and 'chuckles softly'.

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writing

Write a dialogue where one person 'chuckles dryly' at a mistake.

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writing

Describe a scene in a library where someone 'suppresses a chuckle'.

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writing

Use 'chuckles' to describe your dad.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'chuckles at the cat'.

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writing

Use 'chuckles warmly' in a sentence about a grandmother.

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writing

Write about a villain who 'chuckles darkly'.

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writing

Use 'chuckles' as a way to show a character's wisdom.

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writing

Write: 'He ___ when he is happy.'

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writing

Write a sentence with 'chuckles' and 'movie'.

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writing

Describe a 'knowing chuckle'.

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writing

Use 'chuckles dismissively' in a sentence about a boss.

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writing

Write a metaphor involving a chuckle.

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writing

Is a chuckle loud or quiet? Write your answer.

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writing

Write: 'The teacher ___ at the student.'

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writing

Write about a 'nervous chuckle' before a speech.

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writing

Use 'chuckles' to describe a reaction to a pun.

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writing

Write a sentence where a chuckle echoes.

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speaking

Say 'He chuckles' three times fast.

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speaking

Describe a funny animal and use the word 'chuckles'.

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speaking

Tell a short story that ends with someone 'chuckling to themselves'.

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speaking

Explain the difference between a chuckle and a guffaw.

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speaking

Discuss why a character might 'chuckle darkly' in a movie.

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Pronounce 'chuckles' and focus on the 'ch' sound.

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Say: 'My grandfather chuckles at the garden.'

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speaking

Use 'chuckles softly' in a sentence about a baby.

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Explain a 'knowing chuckle' to a friend.

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Describe a 'sardonic chuckle' using your own words.

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Say 'chuckle' and 'smile'.

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speaking

Say: 'She chuckles when she sees the toy.'

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speaking

Talk about something that makes you chuckle.

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speaking

Use 'chuckles' in a sentence about a professional meeting.

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speaking

Read a C2 example sentence aloud with emotion.

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speaking

Is it 'chuckles' or 'shuckles'? Say the correct one.

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speaking

Say: 'The cat makes me chuckle.'

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Say: 'He chuckles at the memory.'

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Say: 'She chuckles dryly at the irony.'

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speaking

Say: 'The antagonist chuckles chillingly.'

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listening

Listen to the word: 'chuckles'. Is it a verb or a noun here?

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listening

Listen for the 's' sound in 'chuckles'. Is it a 's' or a 'z'?

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listening

Listen to a narrator: 'He chuckles softly.' What is the adverb?

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listening

Listen for the tone: Is the chuckle happy or mean?

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listening

Listen for the stress: Which syllable is louder?

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listening

Listen: 'The boy chuckles.' Who is the subject?

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listening

Listen: 'He chuckles at the dog.' What is the preposition?

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listening

Listen: 'She chuckles to herself.' What does this mean?

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Listen: 'A dry chuckle.' Describe the sound.

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listening

Listen: 'Sardonic chuckling.' What is the mood?

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listening

Listen: 'Chuckles.' Spell it.

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listening

Listen: 'They chuckle.' Why is there no 's'?

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listening

Listen: 'Nervous chuckle.' Why is he laughing?

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listening

Listen: 'Dismissive chuckle.' Is it positive?

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listening

Listen: 'Cosmic joke.' What follows?

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Perfect score!

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