JLPT N2 Upper Intermediate
ニヤニヤ
A quiet, self-satisfied, or creepy smirk.
Readings
Other forms
にやにや hiragana form
Adverb (often with と), Suru Verb
Smirking / Grinning to oneself
Describes a thin, continuous smile stemming from internal thoughts rather than social interaction.
Example
彼 は 何 で 一人 で ニヤニヤ し て いる ん だろう 。
I wonder why he's smirking to himself.
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