Smile- means something different.

[mistyrai]

I was surprised to learn that Japanese people 'smile when they are confused or angry'. Well that sounds a little strange. Well in our country smile means a gesture of being happy. Please do share what smile stands for in your country?

[shyragial]

Well, for sure a smile usually means happiness as anywhere else in the world. However, smiling can always have a different meaning. They can be smiles of misery, fear, or even contempt. Smiles show powerful messages in terms of body language, but there seems to be a difference in the way they are used.

[jenstot]

Quote: Originally Posted by mistyrai I was surprised to learn that Japanese people 'smile when they are confused or angry'. Well that sounds a little strange. Well in our country smile means a gesture of being happy. Please do share what smile stands for in your country?

I have to agree. That's sounds strange as smile is usually associated with being happy. In my country, when you smile people would understand that you're in a good disposition. I have yet to see someone who express her/his anger by smiling. It is nice way to express your negative emotions though.

[RustyK]

I did not know this either. To me, smile has always been a sign of happiness, friendliness, humor. Of course, there is a wide range emotions that a smile can portray, as it has already been pointed out, but for the most part, people smile when they are happy.

[Dartz]

Kinda doubt it, I've talked to a lot of Japanese people, and I've never seen any of them smile when they get mad or confused. I think it's more of them hiding emotions or a complete urban myth.

[jenstot]

Quote: Originally Posted by Dartz Kinda doubt it, I've talked to a lot of Japanese people, and I've never seen any of them smile when they get mad or confused. I think it's more of them hiding emotions or a complete urban myth.

I believe it to be an urban myth. It's not quite normal when one would smile when he/she gets mad or confused. Anger and puzzlement would be most appropriate. As for hiding emotions, it's kind of amazing to see someone hide his/her true emotions by smiling.

[descorpio1]

Well smile can be expressed as a sign of friendly note. It is not always when puzzled. And at times, individuals used to think about some precious moments and just chuckle at it. And i do not know what is the meaning of smile as you say in this context?