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.
彼女はヒステリックに泣き叫んだ。
She cried hysterically.
Means 'emotions run high', often used when someone is overwhelmed and losing control.
彼は感情が高ぶって、何を言っているのかわからなかった。
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.
その知らせを聞いて、彼女はすっかり取り乱した。
She became completely hysterical upon hearing the news.
To panic; often used when someone is hysterical due to fear or shock.
火事で人々はパニックになった。
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.
そのジョークが面白すぎて、笑いが止まらなかった。
The joke was so funny I was hysterical.
To burst out laughing; implies a loud, uncontrollable laugh.
彼の話にみんな爆笑した。
Everyone was hysterical at his story.
To laugh holding one's belly; a vivid expression for laughing hysterically.
そのコメディアンを見て、腹を抱えて笑った。
I was hysterical watching that comedian.
Slang for 'hilarious' or 'cracked me up', used among younger people.
あの動画、超ウケるんだけど！
That video is hysterical!
Referring to hysteria as a historical or medical diagnosis.
The medical term 'hysteria', used in historical or clinical contexts.
昔はヒステリーは女性特有の病気と考えられていた。
Hysteria was once considered a female-specific illness.
Modern medical term for conversion disorder, historically related to hysteria.
ヒステリーは現在では転換性障害と呼ばれることが多い。
Hysteria is now often called conversion disorder.
Describing a joke, story, or situation as hysterically funny.
Very casual way to say 'hilariously funny'.
あの映画、めちゃくちゃ面白かったよ。
That movie was hysterical.
Something that makes you burst out laughing; a 'laugh riot'.
彼のスピーチは爆笑ものだった。
His speech was hysterical.
Slang for 'funny' or 'hilarious', often used by younger people.
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.
歌手が現れると、観客はヒステリックになった。
The crowd became hysterical when the singer appeared.
Emotional frenzy, not laughter.
That story is hysterical!