Translation guide
A quiet, often disrespectful laugh, usually at someone else's expense. In Japanese, this is expressed through specific verbs and onomatopoeia that convey suppressed laughter or sneering.
To laugh quietly in a mocking or disrespectful way, often trying not to be heard.
Literally 'sneaking laughter'. A general term for a suppressed, quiet laugh, often with a negative connotation.
She let out a snigger at his mistake.
A sneering or mocking laugh, often more openly scornful than a snigger.
He sniggered at the opponent's proposal.
Onomatopoeic phrase for giggling or chuckling quietly, often used for suppressed laughter that can be snigger-like.
The students sniggered at the teacher's slip of the tongue.
A cold, scornful laugh or sneer; more openly contemptuous than a typical snigger.
The manager gave a snigger at his explanation.
A laugh that includes a snorting sound, often involuntary and derisive.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'snigger'. Using a general word for 'laugh' (笑う) will not convey the mocking, suppressed quality. Choose an expression that fits the specific nuance.
忍び笑い emphasizes the act of hiding the laughter and often implies malice. くすくす笑う is more about the sound of suppressed giggling and can be used for innocent situations as well, though context can make it snigger-like.
The children sniggered behind the teacher's back.
Using くすくす笑う for a childish, suppressed giggle.
He couldn't help but snigger at the absurd suggestion.
Using 忍び笑い for a suppressed, involuntary laugh.
She sniggered at his excuse.