Entry
オホホ
ohoho
An onomatopoeia representing a refined, sophisticated, or affected feminine laugh, often associated with high social status.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Ohoho describes a specific style of laughter typically used by elegant women or 'rich girl' characters in Japanese media. It is characterized by a high-pitched, rhythmic sound, often performed while covering one's mouth with a hand to maintain a sense of decorum or superiority.
- Laughter that signals elegance and high social standing.
- An affected or sarcastic laugh used by characters to look down on others politely.
Sense Map
Elegance and Refinement
Used to describe a lady laughing in a very polite and controlled manner according to high-class etiquette.
ハンカチを口元にあててオホホと笑う。
Affected Superiority
Used when someone intentionally displays a superior or haughty attitude through their laughter.
オホホ、あなたの実力はその程度なの？
Usage Note
How to Use
オホホと笑う
The standard pattern used to describe the act of laughing in this specific style.
オホホという笑い声
How to Use
Common Phrases
オホホと笑う
to laugh ohoho
オホホと上品に笑う
to laugh ohoho elegantly
オホホとお嬢様らしく笑う
to laugh ohoho like a young lady
オホホと口元を隠して笑う
to laugh ohoho while covering one's mouth
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| In Fiction (Anime/Manga) | Iconic | Typically associated with aristocratic or wealthy female characters in fictional media. |
| Real World | Sarcastic/Playful | Used ironically in daily life to imitate an 'ojousama' persona or to playfully tease someone for acting pretentious. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
うふふ うふふ / similar | Use for a softer, more private, and gentle feminine giggle. | Ohoho is louder and more performative compared to the humble and quiet Ufufu. | ウフフと楽しそうに笑う。 |
あはは あはは / contrast | Use for loud, open, and natural laughter regardless of gender. | Ohoho is formal and controlled, while Ahaha is free-spirited and casual. | アハハと元気に笑う。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ohoho for a natural laugh with close friends.
Use Ahaha or Waha-waha for casual, open laughter.
Men using ohoho in serious contexts.
Ohoho is perceived as strictly feminine; men using it usually do so for comedic or sarcastic effect.
Examples
Examples
お金持ちのお嬢様は「オホホ」と笑い方も上品だ。
おかねもちのおじょうさまは「オホホ」とわらいかたもじょうひんだ。
The rich young lady laughs elegantly, 'ohoho'.
LiteralDescribes the classic image of an upper-class woman.
オホホ、あなたの実力はその程度なの？
オホホ、あなたのじつりょくはそのていどなの？
Ohoho, is that all you're capable of?
FigurativeLaughter used to look down on the listener.
ハンカチを口元にあて、オホホと笑う貴婦人。
はんかちをくちもとにあて、オホホとわらうきふじん。
The noble lady laughed 'ohoho' while holding a handkerchief to her mouth.
VisualShows the polite etiquette of traditional Japanese women.
一体何を言っているのかしら？オホホ。
いったいなにをいっているのかしら？オホホ。
What on earth are you talking about? Ohoho.
LiteralA feminine and slightly haughty speaking style.
舞妓さんがオホホと笑うと場が和んだ。
まいこさんがオホホとわらうとばがなごんだ。
When the maiko laughed 'ohoho', the atmosphere softened.
LiteralA polite laugh that gives a friendly yet distanced impression.
Similar Words
アハハ
あはは
Use for loud, open, and natural laughter regardless of gender. Ohoho is formal and controlled, while Ahaha is free-spirited and casual.
Questions
Do Japanese people actually laugh like this?
Rarely in real life. It is a theatrical laugh style mostly found in anime, manga, or stage plays.
Why cover the mouth while laughing?
In traditional Japanese culture, showing the inside of one's mouth while laughing was considered uncouth for refined women.
How is it different from Ufufu?
Ufufu is a soft, sweet giggle, whereas Ohoho is louder, more boastful, and signals high self-confidence.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 898963628
- Source
- Internal
- Source URL
- goiryoku.com/onomatopoeia/ohoho/
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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