哂 (shěn) - to smile & to sneer

哂Tone 3

shěn ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

上姝

哂 · shěn

to smile;

to sneer;

to laugh at;

to ridicule.

to smileto sneerto laugh at

Usage highlights

to smile slightlyto sneer/laugh ata knowing smileto ridiculeto smile contemptuouslya slight smile

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 哭— to cry
  • 怒— to be angry

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He smiled slightly at the joke (他对此笑话报以哂笑).
  • She sneered at the ridiculous proposal (她对那荒谬的提议报以哂笑).
  • The teacher smiled knowingly at the student's answer (老师对学生的回答报以会心的一哂).

Collocations

  • to smile slightly(微哂)
  • to sneer/laugh at(哂笑)
  • a knowing smile(会心一哂)
  • to ridicule(讥哂)
  • to smile contemptuously(鄙哂)
  • a slight smile(一哂)

Idioms

  • To treat with a smile of contempt(付之一哂)
  • A slight smile(莞尔一哂)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Often used in classical Chinese literature to describe a subtle, sometimes condescending or knowing, smile.
  • Implies a degree of judgment or amusement, not a full, open laugh.

FAQ