嘲笑

• Reading: ちょうしょう
• Romaji: choushou
• Kanji breakdown: 嘲 (chou) — mock, ridicule, jeer; 笑 (shou) — laugh, smile
• Pronunciation: /tɕoː.ɕoː/

Meaning

Scornful laughter; ridicule; derision. Mocking someone with contempt.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (嘲笑する). Conveys a stronger, more malicious tone than simply laughing at someone — it implies contempt and looking down on the target. Literary and somewhat formal in register. Often encountered in novels, essays, and serious commentary rather than casual conversation.

Examples

1. 彼の提案はまわりから嘲笑を浴びた。 His proposal was met with ridicule from those around him.
2. 失敗した人を嘲笑するのは卑怯だ。 It's cowardly to mock someone who has failed.
3. 彼女は嘲笑を気にせず自分の道を進んだ。 She paid no mind to the ridicule and kept going her own way.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, social commentary, psychology, essays

Tone: negative

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 嘲 (chou, to mock/ridicule) + 笑 (shou, to laugh). Literally 'mocking laughter,' combining the act of ridicule with laughter to convey contemptuous amusement at another's expense.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated