4

Does it describe that reserved sort of smile, when you slightly raise just one corner of your mouth?
Or a smirk?

Or is it an idiom that shouldn't be taken literally?

| improve this question | |
3

片頬 means "one cheek" (one of a pair (片) + cheek (頬) = one cheek (片頬)). So, 片頬で笑う would mean to smile with only one side of your face (which I assume is what you meant in the first sentence of your question).

I don't think this on its own is an idiom, but after research I did find one idiom that contains the phrase: 男は三年に片頬笑う. It describes a man who only smiles like this very rarely (i.e. "once every three years") because smiling too much will damage his dignity.

| improve this answer | |
  • Ah, OK =) But does it convey any particular mood or emotion? – Laliana May 9 '17 at 15:28
  • 1
    @Laliana Depends on context; probably nothing different from what you would expect. – Blavius May 9 '17 at 21:20

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.