Translation guide
Describes something so absurd, ridiculous, or poorly done that it invites laughter or mockery. Japanese has several words and phrases to express this, ranging from mild amusement to outright scorn.
To describe a situation, idea, or claim that is so unreasonable or illogical that it is laughable.
A versatile word meaning 'funny', 'strange', or 'ridiculous'. In context, it can convey that something is laughably absurd.
彼の言い訳はおかしい。
His excuse is laughable.
A casual, colloquial phrase meaning 'it makes me laugh' or 'it's laughable'. Often used to dismiss something as silly or ridiculous.
あの値段、笑っちゃうよね。
That price is laughable, isn't it?
A more formal or literary term for 'comical' or 'ludicrous'. It emphasizes the absurdity of a situation.
彼の提案は滑稽だ。
His proposal is laughable.
Means 'foolish' or 'absurd'. Stronger than おかしい, implying something is so stupid it's laughable.
そんな話はばかばかしい。
That story is laughable.
Literally 'something that makes you spit out your rice', meaning something so ridiculous it's laughable. Strong and somewhat old-fashioned.
彼の言い分は噴飯物だ。
His argument is laughable.
To describe an attempt, performance, or quality that is so bad it becomes amusing.
Means 'poor' or 'shabby', often used to criticize something as laughably bad. Common in set phrases like お粗末様でした (said after a poor performance or meal).
彼の演技はお粗末だった。
His acting was laughable.
A blunt, casual word for 'unskillful' or 'crappy'. Can imply laughable incompetence.
To describe a situation that is laughable because of its irony or unexpectedness.
Literally 'can laugh', meaning 'funny' or 'laughable'. Often used for ironic or darkly humorous situations.
彼が遅刻の言い訳をするなんて笑える。
It's laughable that he's making excuses for being late.
Means 'not even a funny story', implying something is so pathetic or serious it's beyond laughable. Often used negatively.
彼の失敗は笑い話にもならない。
His failure isn't even laughable; it's just sad.
The English word 'laughable' often translates naturally to phrases like 笑っちゃう or おかしい. Direct translations like 笑えること may sound unnatural or overly literal.
おかしい can mean 'funny' or 'strange', while 笑える specifically means 'laughable' in the sense of provoking laughter. Use おかしい for absurdity, 笑える for ironic humor.
彼が勝てるなんて考えは笑っちゃうよ。
The idea that he could win is laughable.
彼らの料理の試みはお粗末だった。
Their attempt at cooking was laughable.
彼の歌は下手くそで笑える。
His singing is so bad it's laughable.
A formal, emphatic expression meaning 'utterly ridiculous' or 'extremely laughable'. Used in writing or formal speech.
彼の努力は笑止千万だ。
His efforts are laughable.