Translation guide
Expressing that something is funny or intended to be funny. Japanese uses different words depending on whether it's genuinely funny, witty, or just a joke.
Describing something that makes you laugh or is entertaining.
The most common word for 'funny' or 'interesting'. Can describe jokes, stories, people, or situations.
彼の話はとても面白かった。
His story was very funny.
あの映画は面白いよ。
That movie is funny.
Means 'funny' in a strange or laughable way. Can also mean 'suspicious' or 'odd', so context matters.
その冗談はおかしくて、みんな笑った。
That joke was so funny that everyone laughed.
A loanword meaning 'humorous' in a witty or charming way. Often used in writing or formal descriptions.
彼のスピーチはユーモラスで、聴衆を楽しませた。
His speech was humorous and entertained the audience.
Describing humor that is intelligent, sharp, or uses wordplay.
Means 'witty', 'stylish', or 'clever'. Often used for jokes or remarks that are smart and not just silly.
彼の洒落た返事に感心した。
I was impressed by his witty reply.
Literally 'rich in wit'. A more formal way to describe someone or something as witty.
彼女の機知に富んだ会話はいつも楽しい。
Her witty conversation is always enjoyable.
Indicating that something is said or done as a joke, not meant to be taken seriously.
Means 'as a joke' or 'jokingly'. Use this to clarify that a statement was humorous.
冗談で言っただけだよ。
I was just joking.
彼は冗談でそんなことを言った。
He said that as a joke.
Means 'silly', 'messing around', or 'joking' in a playful or sometimes inappropriate way. Can be negative if overdone.
ふざけたことを言わないで。
Don't say silly things.
Describing a person who is able to appreciate or create humor.
The standard way to say 'has a sense of humor'. Uses the loanword 'ユーモア'.
彼はユーモアのセンスがある。
He has a sense of humor.
Literally 'jokes get through'. Means someone understands jokes or can take a joke.
彼女は冗談が通じる人だ。
She is someone who gets jokes.
The English word 'humorous' is often translated as ユーモラスな, but this sounds formal and is less common in everyday speech. For casual conversation, use 面白い or 冗談で instead.
面白い is the safest and most common word for 'funny/interesting'. 可笑しい can mean 'funny' but also 'strange' or 'suspicious', so be careful with context. For example, おかしな人 can mean 'a strange person' rather than 'a funny person'.