Yukimoji - Learn Japanese

VocabJLPT N1

wry smile

NounSuru VerbIntransitive Verb

Definitions

1. bitter smile
2. wry smile

This noun describes a wry or bitter smile, the kind of awkward laugh someone makes when a situation is uncomfortable, embarrassing, or hard to respond to. It captures the feeling of smiling reluctantly when something is not quite funny but hard to react to otherwise.

Example sentences

Sentence 1

No matter how many times he explained it, it wasn't getting through — the teacher just gave a wry smile.

Sentence 2

I nearly tripped at the intersection, and the passerby and I exchanged an awkward smile.

Sentence 3

I could only manage a wry smile, wondering how he could lie so brazenly.

Sentence 4

"Again?" my sister said with a wry smile and a shrug.

Sentence 5

The team exchanged wry smiles at the new hire's bold mistake and quietly covered for them.