Entry
くすくす
kusukusu
The sound of quiet, suppressed laughter, such as giggling or chuckling.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word represents the sound of someone laughing quietly while trying to hold it in. It is often used for secretive, mischievous, or restrained amusement, especially in quiet places.
- Giggling while holding back laughter
- Laughing secretly or mischievously
Sense Map
Suppressed Laughter
Giggling or chuckling while trying to hold it back, often in a quiet setting.
授業中にくすくす笑う
Secretive Laughter
Laughing quietly in an amused, slightly mischievous, or gossipy manner.
顔を見合わせてくすくす笑う
Usage Note
How to Use
くすくす笑う
The most common pattern, directly modifying the verb 笑う (to laugh).
くすくすと + verb
Adding the particle と (to) creates a stronger adverbial phrase. Almost always followed by a laughing-related verb.
くすくすという + noun
Used to modify a noun, most commonly 笑い声 (laughing voice/sound).
How to Use
Common Phrases
くすくす笑う
to giggle / to chuckle
くすくすと笑い声を立てる
to let out a giggle
思わずくすくす笑う
to chuckle unintentionally
くすくす笑いが起こる
giggling arises
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| In a quiet place (library, class) | neutral | Highlights the effort to hold back laughter, resulting in a muffled giggle. |
| Gossiping or teasing | negative | Can sound like snickering behind someone's back. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
くすっと くすっと / similar | When a single, brief chuckle slips out unintentionally. | Unlike くすくす, which is continuous giggling, クスッと is just one momentary sound. | クスッと笑う |
げらげら げらげら / opposite | When someone laughs loudly and boisterously. | くすくす is quiet and suppressed; げらげら is loud and unrestrained. | げらげら笑う |
にやにや にやにや / similar | When smirking or grinning without making any sound. | くすくす involves actual vocal sound, whereas にやにや is purely visual (a facial expression). | にやにや笑う |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using くすくす for loud laughter at a comedy show.
It strictly means quiet or suppressed laughter. Use げらげら for loud laughs.
Using it to describe a silent, happy smile.
くすくす requires a sound. For a silent, happy smile, use にこにこ.
Examples
Examples
授業中、後ろの席の女子たちがくすくす笑っていた。
じゅぎょうちゅう、うしろのせきのじょしたちがくすくすわらっていた。
During class, the girls in the back seats were giggling.
LiteralShows a situation where someone is suppressing their laughter in a place that should be quiet.
彼の冗談がおかしくて、私は思わずくすくすと笑ってしまった。
かれのじょうだんがおかしくて、わたしはおもわずくすくすとわらってしまった。
His joke was funny, and I unintentionally chuckled.
LiteralThe word '思わず' (unintentionally) is often paired with 'くすくす' to show laughter that couldn't be held back.
二人は何かを企んでいるのか、顔を見合わせてくすくす笑った。
ふたりはなにかをたくらんでいるのか、かおをみあわせてくすくすわらった。
Are the two plotting something? They looked at each other and chuckled.
LiteralAn example of using the word for secretive or slightly mischievous laughter.
会議室の隅から、くすくすという笑い声が聞こえてきた。
かいぎしつのすみから、くすくすというわらいごえがきこえてきた。
A giggling sound was heard from the corner of the meeting room.
LiteralUsing the pattern 'くすくすという' to modify the noun '笑い声' (laughing voice).
彼女は本を読みながら、一人でくすくす笑い始めた。
かのじょはほんをよみながら、ひとりでくすくすわらいはじめた。
While reading a book, she started chuckling to herself.
LiteralDescribes a situation where someone is enjoying something alone without speaking loudly.
Similar Words
クスッと
kusutto
A brief, single chuckle that slips out.
Questions
Is くすくす (kusukusu) used for loud laughter?
No, くすくす always refers to quiet, suppressed laughter.
Can adults do くすくす?
Yes, it applies to anyone who is trying to laugh quietly, such as adults chuckling during a meeting or in a quiet office.
Does くすくす involve actual voice?
Yes, it is a sound-imitating word (phonomime). You must actually hear a quiet laugh for it to apply.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2007850
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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