Entry
えへへ
ehehe
えへへ (ehehe) represents a sheepish, mildly embarrassed, or mildly mischievous laugh.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This phonomime captures the sound of a slightly awkward or cheeky chuckle. It is commonly used when someone makes a small mistake, feels mildly embarrassed, or is trying to playfully cover something up.
- sheepish laugh for mistakes
- cheeky or mischievous chuckle
Sense Map
Sheepish Laugh
A small laugh when one feels awkward, embarrassed, or makes a minor mistake.
えへへと照れる。
Cheeky Laugh
A playful chuckle when flattering someone, asking for a favor, or acting slightly mischievous.
えへへと笑ってごまかす。
Usage Note
How to Use
えへへ
Used as a standalone interjection, often at the start of a sentence or as a reply.
えへへと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how someone laughs or acts, often paired with verbs like laughing or covering up.
How to Use
Common Phrases
えへへと笑う
laugh sheepishly
えへへとごまかす
laugh it off with ehehe
えへへと照れる
blush and laugh sheepishly
えへへ、ごめん
ehehe, sorry
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Making a small error with friends | neutral | Shows you recognize the mistake but keeps the mood light. |
| Receiving unexpected praise | positive | Conveys shyness or modesty in a cute way. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
うふふ うふふ / nearby | Use for a soft, refined, or slightly secretive chuckle. | えへへ is more awkward or sheepish, while うふふ is elegant, gentle, or mysterious. | うふふと上品に笑う。 |
いひひ いひひ / contrast | Use for a wicked, plotting, or slightly creepy laugh. | えへへ is innocent and harmless, whereas いひひ has a malicious or sneaky undertone. | いひひと意地悪に笑う。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it during a serious apology to soften the mood.
Never use えへへ for serious mistakes; it will make you seem unremorseful and anger the other person.
Confusing it with a loud laugh.
えへへ is a quiet, breathy chuckle, not a loud laugh like あはは.
Examples
Examples
「えへへ、間違えちゃった」と彼は頭をかいた。
「えへへ、まちがえちゃった」とかれはあたまをかいた。
"Heh heh, I made a mistake," he scratched his head.
LiteralA sheepish laugh when admitting a minor mistake.
「えへへ、おごってくれる？」と彼女は可愛く笑った。
「えへへ、おごってくれる？」とかのじょはかわいくわらった。
"Tee-hee, are you going to treat me?" she smiled cutely.
LiteralA cheeky laugh when asking for a small favor or treat.
子供はいたずらがばれて、えへへと笑ってごまかした。
こどもはいたずらがばれて、えへへとわらってごまかした。
The child got caught doing mischief and tried to laugh it off with "ehehe".
LiteralUsing a laugh to avoid anger after getting caught.
先生にほめられて、生徒はえへへと照れ笑いをした。
せんせいにほめられて、せいとはえへへとてれわらいをした。
Praised by the teacher, the student gave a sheepish "ehehe" laugh.
LiteralA sheepish laugh from feeling happy but a bit awkward when praised.
何を企んでいるのか、彼はえへへと笑うだけで答えない。
なにをたくらんでいるのか、かれはえへへとわらうだけでこたえない。
Whatever he is plotting, he just laughs "ehehe" and doesn't answer.
LiteralA cheeky laugh that suggests someone is hiding a secret.
Similar Words
いひひ
ihihi
A wicked or creepy laugh.
Questions
Is ehehe only used by children?
While it sounds slightly childish, adults use it playfully with close friends to act cute or sheepish.
Can I use this at work?
Generally, no. It is too casual and playful for business environments, especially if you make a mistake.
How is it different from tehe?
Tehe is a very deliberate, exaggerated oops laugh, while ehehe is a more natural sheepish chuckle.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2036520
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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