Definition
含笑 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to wear a smile' or 'to smile silently/gracefully'. It often describes a gentle, restrained smile that doesn't involve laughter. The verb 含 ('to hold in the mouth') and noun 笑 ('smile') can split when inserting a modifier: 含着微笑 ('holding a smile'). It also refers to the Michelia flower, which blooms with a slightly open, smile-like appearance. In HSK 7, the primary sense is the verb 'to smile gently'.
verb
to wear a gentle smileto smile silently
noun
Michelia flower (a type of magnolia)
Examples
- 含笑。Tā hán xiào zhe xiàng wǒ diǎn tóu.She nodded to me with a gentle smile.
- 。Lǎorén hán zhe cíxiáng de wēixiào kàn zhe háizimen.The old man watched the children with a kind smile.
- 含笑，。Gōngyuán lǐ de hán xiào kāi huā le, xiāngqì pū bí.The Michelia flowers in the park are blooming, and their fragrance is strong.
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