Japanese meaning of 破顔一笑
Reading:
はがんいっしょう (hagan isshō)
English Translation:
Breaking into a broad smile from joy or relief.
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
A broad smile breaking out, usually from joy or relief.
喜びや安堵の気持ちから思わず笑みがこぼれること。
Cultural Context:
Originates from classical Chinese literature, depicting a person breaking into a smile as their stern demeanor softens. Often used in literature and modern speech to describe moments of warmth or emotional release.
古代中国の文献に由来し、厳しい表情が和らぎ笑みが浮かぶ様子を描いた表現。文学作品や日常会話で、温かさや緊張の緩和を表す際に使われる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase with “の笑顔” or “の表情” to describe a smile (“破顔一笑の表情”).
• Often appears in literary or descriptive writing.
Trap for English Speakers
May be misread as only "laughing", but it's specifically "smiling broadly".
Example
Basic Example
子どもの一言に、彼は破顔一笑した。
At the child’s comment, he broke into a broad smile.
Applied Example
優勝が決まった瞬間、彼女は破顔一笑した。
The moment victory was decided, she broke into a beaming smile.