愛嬌
Meanings
charm; attractiveness; amiability
Refers to a person's natural charm, likability, or winsome quality that draws others in.
She has charm and is liked by everyone.
That child's smile has a winsome quality.
courtesy; ingratiating behavior
Often used for polite, pleasant, or ingratiating words and actions meant to smooth social interactions; can carry a slightly calculated nuance.
He spread charm and eased the atmosphere.
I just said it to be pleasant, so don't take it seriously.
Used in the set phrase ご愛嬌 to refer to something done for fun or as a lighthearted gesture, often acknowledging a minor mistake or playful act.
See also: ご愛嬌
Even if I make a mistake, please forgive it as just a bit of fun.
His dancing is clumsy, but it's all in good fun.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉に愛嬌があるsomeone has charm/likability
She has such charm that everyone likes her.
- 愛嬌のある〈物〉a charming/endearing thing (e.g. face, smile)
That puppy has such an endearing face.
- ご愛嬌で〈事〉to do/say something as a lighthearted joke or minor slip
Please forgive that last mistake — it was just a bit of fun.
- 愛嬌を言うto say something ingratiating or flattering to smooth things over
The clerk said a few pleasant words to keep the customer happy.