微笑

• Pinyin: wēi xiào
• Hanzi breakdown: 微 = 彳(step) + complex phonetic components; 笑 = 竹(bamboo) + 夭 (young, phonetic)

Meaning

To smile; a smile.

Specifically refers to a gentle, restrained smile — as opposed to laughing aloud (笑 or 大笑). Used as both a verb (她微笑着说, she said with a smile) and a noun (她露出微笑, she wore a smile). Carries a warm, refined connotation. Very common in literary writing and everyday speech.

Examples

1. 她微笑着向每一位到来的客人问好，让人感觉很亲切。 She greeted every arriving guest with a smile, making everyone feel very welcome.
2. 孩子看到妈妈，立刻露出了灿烂的微笑。 The moment the child saw Mum, they broke into a bright, beaming smile.
3. 老师用温柔的微笑鼓励他，告诉他一定要有信心。 The teacher encouraged him with a gentle smile and told him he must have confidence.

Usage Guide

Context: social, everyday, literature

Tone: warm

Do Say

• 她总是带着微笑迎接顾客。(She always greets customers with a smile.)
• 他微笑着点了点头表示同意。(He gave a gentle smile and nodded in agreement.)

Don't Say

• 微笑 ≠ 大笑 — 微笑 is a quiet, gentle smile; 大笑 is laughing heartily. Don't use them interchangeably as the emotional intensity is very different.

Origin & History

Compound of 微 (slight/tiny, from 彳 step + complex phonetic) and 笑 (to laugh/smile, from 竹 bamboo + 夭 young/phonetic). Together: a slight, gentle smile.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal