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B1 verb #3,500 most common 8 min read

微笑む

hohoemu Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 微笑む in 30 Seconds

Explanation 微笑む in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually learn 'warau' (to laugh/smile) first. 'Hohoemu' is a bit more specific. Think of it as a 'quiet smile.' You don't need to use it in every conversation, but you will see it in books. It is a 'Godan' verb, so it changes like 'yomu' (to read). For example, 'hohoemu' becomes 'hohoemimasu' in polite Japanese. You can use it to describe a nice person: 'Sensei wa yasashiku hohoemimasu' (The teacher smiles gently). It's a very positive word that makes people feel happy.

At A2, you start to describe people's expressions more. You can use 'hohoemu' to show that someone is kind or happy without being loud. Use the particle 'ni' to say who you are smiling at: 'Tomodachi ni hohoemimasu' (I smile at my friend). You might also see the past tense 'hohoenda' in stories. It's important to know that 'hohoemu' is more about the face and the eyes, while 'warau' can involve the whole body and voice. When you see a cute animal, you might 'hohoemu'.

At the B1 level, you should distinguish between different types of smiling. 'Hohoemu' is for soft, often soundless smiles. It is common in written Japanese and polite speech. You can use it metaphorically too, like 'unmei ga hohoemu' (fate smiles). You should also learn the noun form 'hohoemi' (a smile). At this level, you can use adverbs like 'yasashiku' (gently) or 'shizuka ni' (quietly) to modify the verb. It helps you sound more natural and descriptive when talking about people's reactions.

At B2, 'hohoemu' is a key word for literary analysis and nuanced communication. You will notice it often in novels to describe a character's grace or hidden feelings. You should be able to contrast it with 'niyakeru' (to grin creepily) or 'azawarau' (to sneer). At this level, you might use the causative 'hohoemaseru' (to make someone smile). Understanding the social function of 'hohoemu'—how it acts as a polite mask or a sign of silent approval—is also important for cultural fluency in Japanese society.

At C1, you use 'hohoemu' to describe complex social dynamics. It can represent a 'knowing smile' or a stoic acceptance of a situation. You will encounter it in high-level literature, where the specific type of 'hohoemi' (e.g., a bitter smile, a faint smile) tells you everything about a character's internal conflict. You should be comfortable using related terms like 'hohoemashii' (heartwarming) and understand the historical and poetic roots of the word, which link the act of smiling to the blooming of a flower.

At the C2 level, you appreciate 'hohoemu' as an element of Japanese aesthetic and philosophical expression. It is linked to concepts like 'Yugen' (subtle grace) and the idealized behavior of classical literature figures. You can discuss the nuances between 'hohoemu' in modern Japanese versus its use in 'Kobun' (Classical Japanese). You understand the word's place in the broader 'smile culture' of East Asia and can use it with precision in academic writing, literary criticism, or high-level diplomatic contexts to convey subtle shades of meaning.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

微笑む in 30 Seconds

A silent, gentle smile indicating kindness or inner peace.
Used with the particle 'ni' for the target of the smile.
Common in literature and formal contexts to show grace.
Differs from 'warau' (laughing) by its lack of sound.

The Japanese verb 微笑む (ほほえむ - hohoemu) is a beautiful and nuanced term that translates to 'to smile' or 'to beam softly.' Unlike the more general verb 笑う (warau), which covers everything from a tiny smirk to a boisterous belly laugh, hohoemu is specifically reserved for a quiet, gentle, and often soundless expression of pleasure, kindness, or satisfaction. It is the kind of smile that involves the eyes and a slight upturn of the lips without necessarily showing teeth or making noise. In Japanese culture, where public displays of intense emotion are often tempered by a sense of social harmony and restraint, hohoemu represents an ideal form of positive interaction—composed, warm, and dignified.

Nuance of Sound: While 'warau' can be loud, 'hohoemu' is almost always silent. It describes the facial expression itself rather than the vocalization of joy.

彼女は赤ちゃんの寝顔を見て、優しく微笑んだ。
(She looked at the baby's sleeping face and smiled gently.)

People use this word when describing a moment of quiet realization, a mother looking at her child, or a person feeling a sense of inner peace. It is frequently found in literature to describe a character's internal state or their subtle reaction to a pleasant thought. In daily conversation, it might be used to describe someone else's demeanor: 'She is always smiling' (彼女はいつも微笑んでいる). It carries a connotation of grace and elegance. It is not something you do at a comedy show; it is something you do when you see a beautiful flower or receive a thoughtful gift.

Visual Imagery: Think of the Mona Lisa. Her expression is the quintessential example of 'hohoemu'—mysterious, soft, and restrained.

運命が彼に微笑む。
(Fortune smiles upon him.)

The word is also used metaphorically. For instance, 'victory smiles' or 'fortune smiles' uses hohoemu to indicate a favorable turn of events. This metaphorical usage elevates the word from a simple physical action to a state of being blessed or favored by circumstances. When you use hohoemu, you are often painting a picture of tranquility. It is the opposite of a forced smile; it is an organic, heartfelt expression that radiates from within. In professional settings, a 'hohoemi' is seen as approachable and trustworthy, making it a key concept in Japanese hospitality (Omotenashi).

Social Context: In Japan, a soft smile is often used to smooth over social friction or to show polite agreement without being overly assertive.

Using 微笑む correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical patterns and its relationship with particles. As an intransitive verb (自動詞), it does not take a direct object with 'o'. Instead, if you are smiling *at* someone, you use the particle に (ni). This indicates the direction or target of the smile.

彼は私を見て、満足そうに微笑んだ。
(He looked at me and smiled with satisfaction.)

The verb follows standard Godan conjugation rules. Its dictionary form is hohoemu, its polite form is hohoemimasu, and its past tense is hohoenda. When describing a continuous state—such as 'she is smiling'—the -te iru form is used: hohoende iru. This is very common when describing photographs or people's habitual expressions.

Common Adverbs: Often paired with adverbs like 'yasashiku' (gently), 'shizuka ni' (quietly), or 'nikoyaka ni' (smilingly/cheerfully).

One interesting aspect is the use of the noun form, 微笑み (hohoemi), which means 'a smile.' You will often see the phrase hohoemi wo ukaberu (to wear/show a smile). This is a more descriptive, almost cinematic way to say someone smiled. While hohoemu is the action, hohoemi wo ukaberu describes the visual effect on the person's face appearing as if the smile is 'floating' there.

彼女の顔に、かすかな微笑みが浮かんだ。
(A faint smile appeared on her face.)

In more advanced contexts, you might see hohoemashii (微笑ましい), an adjective derived from the verb. It means 'heartwarming' or 'pleasant to watch.' For example, watching two children share their toys is hohoemashii koukei (a heartwarming scene). This demonstrates how the core concept of a gentle smile extends into the feeling of warmth experienced by the observer.

Causative and Passive: While rare, 'hohoemaseru' (to make someone smile) can be used to describe someone's charming behavior or a pleasant surprise.

You will encounter 微笑む in various media, but it shines most brightly in literature, lyrics, and formal descriptions. In Japanese novels (shousetsu), authors use hohoemu to convey a character's internal grace or a subtle shift in mood. It provides a more sophisticated atmosphere than the colloquial warau. If a protagonist smiles at a memory, they hohoemu.

「大丈夫だよ」と言って、母は微笑んだ。
("It's okay," said my mother, smiling.)

In the world of music, specifically J-Pop and Enka, hohoemu is a staple word. It is often used to describe a loved one's smile or a hopeful outlook on the future. Lyrics like 'Hohoende kure' (Please smile for me) are common in ballads. The word evokes a sense of nostalgia and tenderness that resonates deeply with Japanese listeners. It's the 'pure' smile of a romantic interest or a kind stranger.

News and Media: News anchors use it when reporting on heartwarming stories, like a panda cub being born or a local community event. It sets a positive, gentle tone for the segment.

In anime and manga, hohoemu is often used in stage directions (ト書き - togaki) to instruct the artist on how a character should look. A 'hohoemi' is different from a 'niyari' (smirk) or a 'bakushou' (burst of laughter). It indicates that the character is kind-hearted, mysterious, or perhaps hiding a secret sadness. Characters known as 'Yamato Nadeshiko' (the idealized Japanese woman) are frequently depicted as hohoemu.

Finally, you will hear it in formal speeches, such as at weddings or graduation ceremonies. A speaker might say, 'Seeing your smiling faces (hohoemi) today makes me very happy.' In these contexts, using hohoemu instead of warau adds a level of dignity and emotional depth to the speech, acknowledging the significance of the occasion.

The most common mistake learners make is using 微笑む when they actually mean to laugh or chuckle. If someone tells a joke and you make a sound, that is warau (笑う), not hohoemu. Using hohoemu in response to a joke might make you sound like you are just being polite or that you didn't actually find it funny enough to laugh.

❌ 冗談を聞いて微笑んだ。
✅ 冗談を聞いて笑った。
(I laughed at the joke.)

Another mistake is the confusion between hohoemu and niyakeru (にやける). While both involve a smile without much sound, niyakeru has a negative or 'creepy' connotation, often implying someone is grinning to themselves about something unseemly or that they are being 'sappy.' Hohoemu is always pure and positive.

Particle Errors: Using 'o' instead of 'ni'. Remember: [Target] ni hohoemu. You cannot 'smile a person' in Japanese grammar.

Learners also sometimes forget the difference between hohoemu and niko niko suru. While niko niko suru is an onomatopoeic way to say someone is smiling cheerfully (often used for kids or very friendly people), hohoemu is a more formal and static description of the facial expression. Using niko niko suru in a formal novel might feel too childish, while using hohoemu for a toddler might feel a bit too serious.

Lastly, avoid using hohoemu for mocking or sarcastic smiles. For that, Japanese has specific words like azawarau (to sneer/scoff) or reishou suru (to laugh coldly). Hohoemu is inherently warm; using it to describe a villain's evil smirk would be linguistically discordant unless the villain is specifically trying to appear kind.

To truly master 微笑む, it is helpful to compare it with other Japanese words for smiling and laughing. The Japanese language is rich with 'smile' vocabulary, each with a specific flavor.

笑う (Warau): The umbrella term. It can mean to smile, to laugh, or even to mock. It is the most common and versatile word.
にっこり (Nikkori): An onomatopoeia for a bright, clear smile. Often used as 'nikkori warau'. It is more energetic than 'hohoemu'.
にこにこ (Niko niko): Describes a continuous, happy, and friendly state of smiling. Usually describes someone's personality or current mood.
笑みを浮かべる (Emi wo ukaberu): Literally 'to float a smile'. Very similar to 'hohoemu' but focuses more on the appearance of the smile on the face. Very literary.

When choosing between these, consider the 'volume' and 'intent'. Hohoemu is low volume, high elegance. Warau is variable volume. Niko niko is high friendliness. If you are writing a poem, hohoemu is your best friend. If you are talking about a funny YouTube video, warau is the only choice.

彼は満足げに微笑んだ。
(He smiled with satisfaction—suggesting a quiet, internal joy.)

There is also kusutto warau (to chuckle/snicker) and geragera warau (to guffaw). These are far removed from the gentle world of hohoemu. Understanding these distinctions helps you describe human emotions with much greater precision in Japanese.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji 微 (bi) means 'slight' or 'tiny' and 笑 (shou) means 'laugh'. So 'hohoemu' literally writes as 'tiny laugh'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK ho.ho.e.mɯ

US hoʊ.hoʊ.eɪ.mu

Pitch accent is usually flat (Heiban) or rises on 'ho'. In standard Japanese, it is [0] (ho-ho-e-mu).

Rhymes With

Ayu (Sweetfish) Mayu (Cocoon) Fuyu (Winter) Kayu (Porridge) Suyu (Soup) Koyu (Fragrant oil) Moyu (To burn - literary) Oyu (Hot water)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'ho-ho-me-u' by mistake.
Over-emphasizing the 'u' at the end.
Confusing it with 'hohoemu' vs 'warau' pitch.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji is common but the reading 'hohoemu' needs to be memorized.

Writing 4/5

The kanji 微 is slightly complex to write by hand.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce once you know the pitch.

Listening 2/5

Distinct sound, easy to pick up in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

笑う顔優しい静か見る

Learn Next

微笑ましい浮かべる表情慈愛穏やか

Advanced

恬淡静謐悠久泰然自若含蓄

Grammar to Know

Intransitive Verbs with 'Ni'

彼に微笑む (Smile at him).

Adverbial forms of Adjectives

優しく微笑む (Smile gently).

Te-iru for ongoing states

微笑んでいる (Is smiling).

Noun + wo + ukaberu

微笑みを浮かべる (To wear a smile).

Causative form 'seru'

人を微笑ませる (To make people smile).

Examples by Level

彼女はいつも微笑みます。

She always smiles.

Polite present form.

赤ちゃんが微笑んだ。

The baby smiled.

Past tense form.

先生は優しく微笑む。

The teacher smiles gently.

Adverb + Verb.

私を見て微笑んでください。

Please smile at me.

Te-form + kudasai.

花を見て微笑む。

I smile looking at the flowers.

Simple action.

お母さんが微笑んでいる。

Mother is smiling.

Present continuous.

彼は少し微笑みました。

He smiled a little.

Adverbial use.

みんなで微笑みましょう。

Let's all smile.

Volitional form.

友だちに微笑みかけました。

I started smiling at my friend.

V-stem + kakeru.

彼女は恥ずかしそうに微笑んだ。

She smiled shyly.

Sou ni (looking like).

写真は微笑んでいる顔がいいです。

A smiling face is good for photos.

Noun modification.

悲しい時も微笑むのは難しい。

It is hard to smile even when sad.

Nominalized verb.

彼は黙って微笑んだ。

He smiled silently.

Te-form of 'damaru'.

美味しいものを食べると微笑んでしまう。

I end up smiling when I eat delicious food.

Te-shimau (unintentional).

彼女の微笑む姿はとても綺麗だ。

The way she smiles is very beautiful.

Noun modification (sugata).

目が合うと、彼は微笑んでくれた。

When our eyes met, he smiled for me.

Te-kureru (favor).

苦労の末、ついに勝利の女神が微笑んだ。

After much hardship, the goddess of victory finally smiled.

Metaphorical usage.

彼女は静かに微笑んで、部屋を出て行った。

She smiled quietly and left the room.

Sequential actions.

彼の冗談に、彼女は思わず微笑んだ。

She couldn't help but smile at his joke.

Omowazu (spontaneously).

母の微笑む顔を思い出すと、元気が出る。

I feel better when I remember my mother's smiling face.

Relative clause.

二人の仲睦まじい様子に、周囲の人々も微笑んだ。

The people around them also smiled at the harmonious couple.

Causal connection.

彼女は何も言わず、ただ微笑むだけだった。

She said nothing, she just smiled.

Dake (only) + dattu.

子供たちの遊ぶ姿は、見ていて微笑ましい。

Watching children play is heartwarming.

Adjective hohoemashii.

彼は皮肉な微笑みを浮かべた。

He wore an ironic smile.

Noun form + ukaberu.

運命が彼に微笑むことは二度となかった。

Fate never smiled upon him again.

Abstract subject.

彼女は悲しみを隠すように、無理に微笑んだ。

She forced a smile as if to hide her sadness.

You ni (as if).

その老紳士は、慈愛に満ちた表情で微笑んだ。

The old gentleman smiled with an expression full of affection.

Ni michita (full of).

成功した自分を想像して、彼は独りで微笑んだ。

Imagining his success, he smiled to himself.

Hitori de (alone).

彼女の微笑みには、どこか寂しさが漂っていた。

In her smile, there was a hint of loneliness.

Tadayou (to drift/waft).

彼は満足そうに頷き、深く微笑んだ。

He nodded with satisfaction and smiled deeply.

Adverbial depth.

その光景は、誰の心をも微笑ませるものだった。

That sight was enough to make anyone smile.

Causative form.

彼女は万感の思いを込めて微笑んだ。

She smiled with a heart full of many emotions.

Idiomatic expression.

沈黙の中に、確かな了解の微笑みが交わされた。

In the silence, a smile of certain understanding was exchanged.

Passive/Exchange nuance.

彼は絶望の淵にあっても、なお微笑むことを忘れなかった。

Even on the brink of despair, he did not forget to smile.

Fuchi ni atte (in the midst of).

その微笑みは、言葉以上に多くのことを物語っていた。

That smile told more than words ever could.

Monogataru (to tell/narrate).

彼女は運命を甘受し、静謐な微笑みを湛えていた。

She accepted her fate, wearing a serene smile.

Tataeru (to be filled with/wear).

冷徹な計算の裏に、彼は微かな微笑みを隠していた。

Behind his cold calculations, he hid a faint smile.

Ura ni (behind).

時代が彼に微笑みかけることはなかったが、彼は悔いなかった。

The era never smiled upon him, but he had no regrets.

Personification of 'era'.

彼女の微笑みは、凍てついた心を溶かす陽光のようだった。

Her smile was like sunlight melting a frozen heart.

Metaphorical simile.

不敵な微笑みを浮かべ、彼は敵陣へと踏み込んだ。

With a fearless smile, he stepped into the enemy camp.

Futeki na (fearless).

彼の微笑みは、世俗の垢を落としたかのような清冽さを放っていた。

His smile radiated a purity as if he had washed away the grime of the world.

Advanced simile/vocabulary.

万象が彼に微笑みかけているかのような、至福の瞬間であった。

It was a moment of supreme bliss, as if all of creation were smiling upon him.

Banshou (all things/creation).

その微笑みは、悠久の時を超えて語りかけてくるかのようだった。

That smile seemed to speak across eternal time.

Yuukyuu (eternity).

彼女は悲劇のヒロインを演じつつ、内心では冷笑的に微笑んでいた。

While playing the tragic heroine, she was inwardly smiling cynically.

Tsutsu (while).

彼の微笑みは、深淵を覗き込んだ者特有の、諦念の色を帯びていた。

His smile carried the color of resignation unique to those who have peered into the abyss.

Teinen (resignation/philosophical acceptance).

言葉を尽くしても説明し得ない感情が、一筋の微笑みに凝縮されていた。

Emotions that could not be explained even with exhaustive words were condensed into a single smile.

Gyuushuku (condensation).

その微笑みは、生と死の境界線上で揺らめく陽炎のようであった。

That smile was like a heat haze flickering on the boundary between life and death.

Kagerou (heat haze).

彼は自嘲気味に微笑み、自らの愚かさを噛み締めた。

He smiled self-deprecatingly, reflecting on his own foolishness.

Jichou-gimi (self-deprecatingly).

Common Collocations

優しく微笑む

静かに微笑む

満足げに微笑む

不敵に微笑む

寂しげに微笑む

〜に向かって微笑む

思い出し笑いをする/微笑む

勝利の女神が微笑む

赤ん坊が微笑む

かすかに微笑む

Common Phrases

微笑みを絶やさない

— To always keep a smile on one's face. Often used to describe someone with a positive attitude.

彼女はどんな時も微笑みを絶やさない。

微笑みを誘う

— To invite a smile; to be heartwarming or amusing in a gentle way.

子供たちの会話は微笑みを誘う。

微笑みを返す

— To return a smile; to smile back at someone.

彼に微笑みを返した。

含み笑い

— A suppressed laugh or a subtle smile that suggests something hidden.

彼は含み笑いを漏らした。

苦笑い

— A bitter or forced smile, often used when embarrassed or in a difficult spot.

失敗して苦笑いする。

作り笑い

— A fake or forced smile.

接客のために作り笑いをする。

思い出し微笑み

— Smiling while remembering something pleasant (less common than 'omoidashi-warai').

彼は思い出し微笑みを浮かべた。

アルカイックスマイル

— Archaic smile, often used to describe the smiles on ancient statues.

仏像のアルカイックスマイル。

微笑ましい光景

— A heartwarming scene.

お年寄りと子供が話す微笑ましい光景。

口元が微笑む

— The mouth part of the face smiles.

彼の口元がわずかに微笑んだ。

Often Confused With

微笑む vs 笑う (Warau)

Warau is general and can be loud. Hohoemu is always quiet and gentle.

微笑む vs にやける (Niyakeru)

Niyakeru implies a creepy or unseemly grin. Hohoemu is pure.

微笑む vs 嘲笑う (Azawarau)

Azawarau is to mock or sneer. Hohoemu is kind.

Idioms & Expressions

"勝利の女神が微笑む"

— Luck or victory favors someone after a struggle.

九回裏、ついに勝利の女神が微笑んだ。

Common

"運命が微笑む"

— Fate becomes favorable.

彼に運命が微笑むことはなかった。

Literary

"顔がほころぶ"

— To be unable to help smiling because of joy.

孫の声を聞いて、つい顔がほころぶ。

Common

"目尻を下げる"

— To look very happy/content, usually resulting in a smile.

美味しいものを食べて目尻を下げる。

Common

"頬が緩む"

— Literally 'cheeks loosen'; to break into a smile out of joy or relief.

合格通知を見て頬が緩んだ。

Common

"鼻の下を伸ばす"

— To grin foolishly, especially when attracted to someone (usually used for men).

美人の前で鼻の下を伸ばしている。

Informal

"笑う門には福来たる"

— Good fortune comes to those who smile/laugh.

いつも微笑んでいよう。笑う門には福来たるだ。

Proverb

"作り笑いも芸のうち"

— Even a forced smile is a skill (often used in business/service).

大変だけど、作り笑いも芸のうちだよ。

Idiom

"泣き面に蜂"

— Misfortune on top of misfortune (Opposite context of smiling).

微笑む暇もない、泣き面に蜂だ。

Proverb

"恵比寿顔"

— A face beaming with happiness (like the god Ebisu).

宝くじが当たって恵比寿顔だ。

Common

Easily Confused

微笑む vs 微笑む (Hohoemu)

Both mean smile.

Hohoemu is a verb (action).

彼女は微笑んだ。

微笑む vs 微笑み (Hohoemi)

Both mean smile.

Hohoemi is a noun (the thing).

素敵な微笑みですね。

微笑む vs 笑み (Emi)

Both refer to smiling.

Emi is an older, more poetic noun form.

笑みを湛える。

微笑む vs にっこり (Nikkori)

Both are smiles.

Nikkori is an adverb showing a bright, sudden smile.

にっこり笑う。

微笑む vs にこにこ (Niko niko)

Both are smiles.

Niko niko describes a friendly, ongoing state.

にこにこしている。

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] は [Adverb] 微笑みます。

母はいつも微笑みます。

[Subject] は [Person] に微笑みました。

田中さんは私に微笑みました。

[Verb-te], [Subject] は微笑んだ。

手紙を読んで、彼は微笑んだ。

[Subject] の微笑む顔は [Adjective] です。

彼女の微笑む顔は美しいです。

[Subject] は [Noun] を浮かべて微笑んだ。

彼は満足げな笑みを浮かべて微笑んだ。

[Subject] が [Person] に微笑みかける。

運命が彼に微笑みかける。

[Noun] の裏に微笑みを隠す。

冷静さの裏に微笑みを隠す。

[Noun] に凝縮された微笑み。

万感の思いに凝縮された微笑み。

Word Family

Nouns

微笑み (Hohoemi - A smile)

苦笑 (Kushou - Bitter smile)

失笑 (Shisshou - Involuntary laugh)

爆笑 (Bakushou - Roaring laugh)

Verbs

笑う (Warau - To laugh/smile)

にやける (Niyakeru - To smirk)

嘲笑う (Azawarau - To sneer)

微笑みかける (Hohoemikakeru - To smile at someone)

Adjectives

微笑ましい (Hohoemashii - Heartwarming)

おかしい (Okashii - Funny)

にこやかな (Nikoyakana - Smiling/Cheerful)

表情 (Hyoujou - Expression)

口角 (Koukaku - Corners of mouth)

顔面 (Ganmen - Face)

感情 (Kanjou - Emotion)

親切 (Shinsetsu - Kindness)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in written Japanese; moderately common in polite spoken Japanese.

Common Mistakes

Using 'o' particle. → Using 'ni' particle.
It is an intransitive verb; you smile *at* someone.
Using it for loud laughter. → Using 'warau'.
Hohoemu is silent and gentle.
Confusing it with 'niyakeru'. → Use 'hohoemu' for positive smiles.
Niyakeru has a negative or creepy nuance.
Writing the kanji as 笑む only. → Writing it as 微笑む.
While 'emu' is a word, 'hohoemu' is the standard modern term.
Using 'hohoemu' for sarcastic mocking. → Using 'azawarau'.
Hohoemu is inherently warm and kind.

Tips

In Writing

Use 'hohoemu' to add a touch of elegance to your descriptions of people.

Social Harmony

A 'hohoemi' is often better than a loud laugh in formal Japanese social situations.

Particle Check

Always check if you used 'ni' instead of 'o' when smiling at someone.

Noun Form

Learn 'hohoemi' (noun) alongside 'hohoemu' (verb) for more variety.

Silent Joy

Remember that 'hohoemu' is primarily about the visual expression, not the sound.

Kanji Recognition

The kanji 微 (slight) is a hint that this is a 'small' smile.

Soft Delivery

When you say 'hohoemu', try to use a gentle tone of voice.

Art and Imagery

Think of statues and paintings when you want to remember the 'hohoemu' feeling.

Victory

Memorize 'shouri no megami ga hohoemu' as a set phrase for success.

Avoid Smirking

Don't use 'hohoemu' for sarcastic grins; it will sound confusing.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ho-Ho-Emu'. Imagine Santa Claus (Ho Ho) seeing an Emu bird and giving a gentle, quiet smile because it's so cute.

Visual Association

Visualize the Mona Lisa. Her 'hohoemi' is famous worldwide for being subtle and silent.

Word Web

Smile Gentle Silent Kind Face Literature Heartwarming Peace

Challenge

Try to spend one whole day only using 'hohoemu' instead of 'warau' when describing people's expressions in your Japanese diary.

Word Origin

Derived from the ancient Japanese word 'emu' (to smile/bloom) combined with 'ho' (cheek). Originally, it suggested the cheeks spreading or 'blooming' like a flower.

Original meaning: To bloom or to show a soft facial expression like a flower opening.

Japonic

Cultural Context

Be careful not to confuse 'hohoemu' with 'niyakeru', which can be seen as offensive or creepy.

In English, 'to smile' covers both 'warau' and 'hohoemu'. English speakers need to learn that 'hohoemu' is specifically the silent, gentle version.

The Mona Lisa (often described as having a 'hohoemi') Buddha statues (famous for their serene 'hohoemi') Miyazaki films (characters often 'hohoemu' in emotional moments)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Literature/Novels

静かに微笑む
謎めいた微笑み
悲しげに微笑む
一筋の微笑み

Childcare

赤ちゃんが微笑む
お母さんが微笑む
微笑ましい姿
にっこり微笑む

Photography

微笑んでください
いい微笑みですね
自然な微笑み
カメラに向かって微笑む

Romance

彼女の微笑みに見とれる
彼が微笑みかける
幸せそうに微笑む
忘れられない微笑み

Business/Hospitality

微笑みを絶やさない接客
穏やかに微笑む
信頼感のある微笑み
微笑みで迎える

Conversation Starters

"彼女の微笑み、とても素敵だと思いませんか？"

"最近、何か微笑ましい出来事はありましたか？"

"赤ちゃんが寝ながら微笑むのは、なぜだと思いますか？"

"緊張した時、どうやって自然に微笑むことができますか？"

"「微笑む」と「笑う」の違いについて、どう感じますか？"

Journal Prompts

今日、誰かがあなたに微笑んでくれた時のことを書いてください。

あなたが思わず微笑んでしまうような、幸せな瞬間は何ですか？

「微笑み」をテーマにした短い詩を書いてみましょう。

日本の「微笑み」の文化について、自分の意見を述べてください。

最近見た映画やドラマで、印象的だった「微笑み」のシーンはありますか？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'hohoemu' is silent. If you make a sound, use 'warau'.

No, anyone can 'hohoemu', though it often describes a gentle or refined character.

Use 'ni' for the person you are smiling at (e.g., 彼女に微笑む).

Yes, especially in books, lyrics, and formal speech.

'Hohoemu' is a verb, while 'nikkori' is an adverb often used with 'warau'.

Generally no, it's a positive word. For negative smiles, use 'azawarau' or 'niyakeru'.

You use the causative form: 'hohoemaseru'.

Yes, to describe a polite and welcoming demeanor.

It means luck favored the winner (勝利の女神が微笑む).

Yes, if the dog looks like it's smiling gently, you can say 'inu ga hohoende iru'.