How to say "grin" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 頬が緩むほおがゆるむexpression, godan verbA less common way to describe the involuntary grin of pleasure or amusement: the cheeks 'loosen' and the face softens into a smile on its own, as when you recall something pleasant.
- 笑いかけるわらいかけるichidan verb, intransitive verbFor a plain grin this is seldom the word you want: it really means to smile at someone, so it fits only the 'grin (at) a person' sense, as when you greet somebody.
- ichidan verb, intransitive verbThe colloquial word for a grin creeping onto your face, usually written in kana; it often suggests amusement or self-satisfaction, the kind of grin that spreads when something pleases you.
For a grin spreading on your own face use 「頬が緩む」 or the colloquial 「にやける」; 「笑いかける」, whose basic sense is to smile at someone, fits only the 'grin at a person' sense.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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