🇯🇵 How to say

“to laugh” in Japanese

笑うわらう
Illustration of "to laugh" in a Japanese cultural setting
A group of friends sits on a park bench, sharing a funny story. One of them throws their head back with a wide, joyful smile, their eyes crinkling at the corners as they laugh out loud.

Usage note

笑う is used for both laughing out loud and smiling happily, and it's a common, friendly word you'll hear in everyday conversations and comedy shows.

Examples

  • 子供たちが面白い映画を見て笑っています。

    The children are laughing while watching a funny movie.

  • 彼は冗談を言って、みんなを笑わせた。

    He told a joke and made everyone laugh.

  • 私はその写真を見て思わず笑った。

    I unintentionally laughed when I saw that picture.

Quick check

What does "笑う" mean?

  • A. to laugh
  • B. to study
  • C. to find
  • D. to meet

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