Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Laugh" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "laugh", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
笑います
わらいます (waraimasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
笑い
わらい (warai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "laugh" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 笑います and 笑い.
In Japanese, 笑います (わらいます (waraimasu)) is typically associated with "to laugh, to smile" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Verb, polite form. Refers to the act of laughing or smiling. The dictionary form is 笑う.
On the other hand, 笑い (わらい (warai)) maps to "laugh, laughter, smile (noun)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents The noun form of 笑う. A literal translation of "laugh" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "笑います"
彼女はいつも笑顔で笑います。
She always laughs with a smile.
Bilingual Context for "笑い"
みんなの笑い声が部屋中に響きました。
Everyone's laughter echoed throughout the room.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女はいつも笑顔で ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "She always laughs with a smile.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "笑います" fits here because it means "to laugh, to smile" in the context of: "She always laughs with a smile.". "笑い" represents "laugh, laughter, smile (noun)".