Entry
クスッと
kusutto
Describes the sound or action of a quiet, unintentional chuckle slipping out.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word illustrates the moment someone feels mildly amused and unintentionally lets out a very brief, quiet laugh. It emphasizes the spontaneity and softness of the laugh, often happening when one is trying not to laugh or is alone.
- a brief, quiet chuckle
- mildly amused
Sense Map
Quiet Chuckle
The action of letting a small laugh slip out inadvertently because of something mildly funny.
クスッと笑う
Feeling Amused
The internal feeling of amusement that prompts a slight, suppressed laugh.
思わずクスッとする
Usage Note
How to Use
クスッと + 笑う
The most common pattern, meaning 'to chuckle quietly'.
クスッと + する
Used to describe the state of being momentarily amused by something.
クスッと + 吹き出す
クスッと + くる
How to Use
Common Phrases
クスッと笑う
to chuckle quietly
思わずクスッとする
to unintentionally chuckle / find something amusing
クスッと吹き出す
to burst into a quiet chuckle
クスッとくる
to be struck as funny
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Reading a book alone | neutral | Perfect for describing the moment you read a witty line and let out a tiny laugh. |
| During a serious meeting | negative | Can imply a slight breach of decorum if a chuckle accidentally escapes in a solemn environment. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
くすくす くすくす / nearby | Used for continuous, quiet giggling, often when trying to suppress laughter over a period of time. | クスッと is a single, brief instance of a chuckle, whereas くすくす implies ongoing giggling. | くすくす笑い続ける |
どっと どっと / opposite | Used when loud laughter suddenly erupts, often from a large group of people. | It is the opposite of the quiet, personal, and brief nature of クスッと. | どっと笑いが起きる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using クスッと to describe someone laughing out loud at a hilarious joke.
Use words like ゲラゲラ for loud, uncontrolled laughter.
Confusing it with a continuous smiling state.
クスッと is a brief auditory or physical reaction (a chuckle), not a lingering facial expression like ニコニコ (smiling).
Examples
Examples
彼の冗談を聞いて、思わずクスッと笑ってしまった。
彼(かれ)の冗談(じょうだん)を聞(き)いて、思(おも)わずクスッと笑(わら)ってしまった。
Hearing his joke, I unintentionally let out a little chuckle.
LiteralThe most basic usage describing a light laugh.
本を読みながらクスッとする。
本(ほん)を読(よ)みながらクスッとする。
I chuckle while reading a book.
LiteralShows a moment of amusement while doing a solitary activity.
静かな会議室で、誰かがクスッと吹き出した。
静(しず)かな会議室(かいぎしつ)で、誰(だれ)かがクスッと吹(ふ)き出(だ)した。
In the quiet meeting room, someone burst into a quiet chuckle.
VisualDescribes a laugh that couldn't be held back in a serious situation.
昔の写真を整理していて、クスッとくる一枚を見つけた。
昔(むかし)の写真(しゃしん)を整理(せいり)していて、クスッとくる一枚(いちまい)を見(み)つけた。
While organizing old photos, I found one that made me chuckle.
Figurativeクスッとくる refers to a feeling of amusement that wells up from inside.
猫の不思議な動きを見て、クスッと笑みがこぼれた。
猫(ねこ)の不思議(ふしぎ)な動(うご)きを見(み)て、クスッと笑(え)みがこぼれた。
Watching the cat's weird movements, a chuckle and smile spilled out.
VisualA small laugh that slips out naturally out of affection or cuteness.
Similar Words
くっくっと
kukkutto
Kukkutto represents the sound of a quiet, stifled laugh or chuckle deep in the throat.
くすくす
kusukusu
The sound of quiet, suppressed laughter, such as giggling or chuckling. A quiet laugh that happens continuously, not just a single burst.
どっと
dotto
Dotto describes a sudden, large influx of people, or a simultaneous outbreak of sound or applause. Bursting into loud, massive laughter, usually in a group.
Questions
Does クスッと mean to laugh AT someone?
No, it generally describes innocent amusement rather than a mocking or derogatory laugh.
Can I use クスッと without と?
Yes, 'クスッ' can be used on its own, especially as an interjection or in casual writing, but adding 'と' is grammatically smoother when modifying a verb.
Is this an onomatopoeia?
Yes, it is a phonomime (giseigo) representing the actual soft sound of breath escaping during a chuckle.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2756000
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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