sorriso

Sorriso is the Italian and Portuguese noun meaning “smile.” It denotes a facial expression formed by an upward turning of the corners of the mouth, often signaling happiness, friendliness, or amusement. In Italian grammar the word is masculine (il sorriso) and has the plural i sorrisi; in Portuguese it is also masculine (o sorriso) with the plural os sorrisos.

The term derives from Latin subridere, meaning “to smile,” itself formed from sub- “under, a little” and ridere “to laugh,” and passed into the Romance languages through verbs such as sorridere in Italian and the corresponding Portuguese form.

In physiological and social terms, a smile can range from polite to genuine. A Duchenne smile, considered authentic, involves the muscles around the eyes in addition to the mouth, and tends to be perceived as more sincere, facilitating social warmth and trust.

Sorriso also functions as a proper noun. It names a municipality in Mato Grosso, Brazil, known for agricultural production, particularly soybeans. The word may also appear as a surname in Portuguese-speaking regions.

In usage, sorrisi and sorrisos appear in everyday speech, literature, and media to convey positive affect, social connection, or approachable branding, reflecting the universal association of a smile with friendliness.