Translation guide
The English word 'hysterical' has several distinct meanings. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether you mean extreme emotion, uncontrollable laughter, a medical condition, or something very funny.
Describing someone who is extremely upset, panicked, or emotionally out of control.
A direct loanword from English, commonly used to describe someone acting hysterical, often with negative connotations of being overly emotional.
She cried hysterically.
Means 'emotions run high', often used when someone is overwhelmed and losing control.
He was so hysterical I couldn't understand what he was saying.
To be distraught or lose one's composure, often used when someone is visibly upset and not thinking clearly.
She became completely hysterical upon hearing the news.
To panic; often used when someone is hysterical due to fear or shock.
People became hysterical because of the fire.
Describing something extremely funny or someone laughing uncontrollably.
Literally 'can't stop laughing', the most natural way to say you find something hysterically funny.
The joke was so funny I was hysterical.
To burst out laughing; implies a loud, uncontrollable laugh.
Everyone was hysterical at his story.
To laugh holding one's belly; a vivid expression for laughing hysterically.
Slang for 'hilarious' or 'cracked me up', used among younger people.
That video is hysterical!
Referring to hysteria as a historical or medical diagnosis.
Describing a joke, story, or situation as hysterically funny.
When 'hysterical' means 'very funny', do not use ヒステリック. That word only refers to emotional upset or panic. Use expressions related to laughter instead.
ヒステリック often implies an over-the-top, almost theatrical emotional outburst, sometimes with a negative or sexist nuance. 取り乱す is more neutral and simply means losing composure.
The crowd became hysterical when the singer appeared.
Emotional frenzy, not laughter.
I was hysterical watching that comedian.
Hysteria is now often called conversion disorder.
That story is hysterical!