Learn more about this word
苦笑い
Nigaiwarai is literally a bitter laugh, the strained smile of someone caught out, embarrassed or resigned. It is a specific and very common social expression in Japan, where an outright objection would be blunt. Often paired with the verb ukaberu, to let a smile surface.
Examples in context
指摘されて苦笑いするしかなかった。
Once it was pointed out, all I could do was smile wryly.
彼は苦笑いを浮かべて席を立った。
He left his seat with a wry smile on his face.
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