Entry
にっこり
nikkori
To smile brightly, sweetly, or broadly in a momentary action.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word captures the momentary action of breaking into a bright, pleasant smile. It conveys genuine happiness, warmth, and friendliness, distinct from a continuous smiling state or a smirk.
- Breaking into a sweet, broad smile
- Showing momentary warmth or friendliness
Sense Map
Sweet/Broad Smile (Action)
The momentary action of breaking into a bright, sweet smile, often in response to a greeting, a camera, or good news.
写真でにっこり笑う
Affectionate/Gentle Smile
A warm smile showing affection, relief, or gentleness, such as when looking at a baby or receiving a gift.
にっこりうなずく
Usage Note
How to Use
にっこりする
Used as a verb meaning 'to give a sweet smile' or 'to smile brightly'.
にっこり（と）+ Verb (笑う, 微笑む, etc.)
Used as an adverb modifying smiling-related verbs, meaning 'to smile sweetly' (e.g., にっこり笑う).
How to Use
Common Phrases
にっこり笑う
to smile sweetly
にっこりする
to smile
にっこりと微笑む
to give a warm, gentle smile
にっこりうなずく
to nod with a smile
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Posing for a camera or greeting someone | Positive | Very common for the 'say cheese' moment when someone suddenly breaks into a bright smile. |
| Looking at something endearing | Positive/Affectionate | Shows the heart being warmed, resulting in an automatic, gentle smile. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
にこにこ にこにこ / nearby | Use when someone is continuously smiling or maintaining a happy expression. | にっこり focuses on the sudden, distinct action of breaking into a smile, while にこにこ is an ongoing state. | にこにこしている |
にやり にやり / opposite | Use for a suggestive, knowing, or mocking smirk. | ニヤリ has a suspicious or negative nuance (smirking), whereas にっこり is purely positive and genuine. | ニヤリと笑う |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using にっこり to describe someone who has been smiling constantly for an hour.
Use にこにこ (niko-niko) for a continuous smiling state. にっこり is for the momentary action of smiling.
Using it for a sarcastic or evil grin.
Use ニヤリ (niyari) or ニヤニヤ (niyaniya) for smirks or suggestive grins. にっこり is strictly for pleasant, genuine smiles.
Examples
Examples
写真を撮る時、彼女はにっこり笑った。
しゃしんをとるとき、かのじょはにっこりわらった。
She smiled sweetly when taking the picture.
LiteralShows the momentary action of giving a bright smile for the camera.
赤ちゃんが私を見てにっこりした。
あかちゃんがわたしをみてにっこりした。
The baby looked at me and gave a sweet smile.
LiteralIndicates an innocent and affectionate smile as a natural reaction.
彼はプレゼントを受け取って、にっこりと微笑んだ。
かれはぷれぜんとをうけとって、にっこりとほほえんだ。
He received the present and smiled warmly.
LiteralDescribes a genuine smile triggered by the joy of receiving a gift.
先生はにっこりうなずいてくれた。
せんせいはにっこりうなずいてくれた。
The teacher nodded with a friendly smile.
LiteralUses にっこり as an adverb to modify the action of nodding in a friendly manner.
挨拶をすると、近所の人はにっこりしてくれた。
あいさつをすると、きんじょのひとはにっこりしてくれた。
When I greeted them, the neighbor gave a pleasant smile in return.
LiteralShows friendliness in socializing and responding to a greeting.
Similar Words
ニヤリ
niyari
A momentary, meaningful smirk or grin, often carrying a suggestive, knowing, or slightly sinister undertone. A smirk or knowing smile (negative or suspicious nuance).
ニヤニヤ
niyaniya
ニヤニヤ means to smirk or grin continuously, often indicating self-satisfaction, harboring a secret, or thinking about something funny.
ニコニコ
nikoniko
ニコニコ describes a cheerful, friendly, and silent smile. Used for a continuous smiling state, not a momentary action.
Questions
What is the difference between にっこり (nikkori) and にこにこ (niko-niko)?
にっこり refers to the momentary action of breaking into a smile, while にこにこ refers to a continuous state of smiling cheerfully.
Can にっこり mean a creepy smile?
No, it is always a genuine, sweet, and pleasant smile. For creepy or suggestive smiles, use words like ニヤニヤ (niyaniya) or ニヤリ (niyari).
Is 'にっこり笑う' redundant?
No, it is a very natural and common collocation that emphasizes the sweetness or brightness of the smile.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1632320
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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