PhraseNinja

Yojijukugo

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.
日本語で読む
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.
日本語で読む
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”).<br>• Often appears in literary or descriptive writing.
日本語で読む
• 笑顔や表情を描写する「〜の笑顔」「〜の表情」として用いる（例：「破顔一笑の表情」）。<br>• 文芸的・描写的文章によく登場する。

Trap for English Speakers

May be misread as only "laughing", but it's specifically "smiling broadly".
日本語で読む
笑う動作と誤解しやすいが、大きく笑みを浮かべる意味。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. 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.

Example 2Applied Example

  1. 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.

Quick check

Meaning

What does 「破顔一笑」 mean?

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