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.
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.
That price is laughable, isn't it?
A more formal or literary term for 'comical' or 'ludicrous'. It emphasizes the absurdity of a situation.
Means 'foolish' or 'absurd'. Stronger than おかしい, implying something is so stupid it's laughable.
Literally 'something that makes you spit out your rice', meaning something so ridiculous it's laughable. Strong and somewhat old-fashioned.
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).
His acting was laughable.
A blunt, casual word for 'unskillful' or 'crappy'. Can imply laughable incompetence.
A formal, emphatic expression meaning 'utterly ridiculous' or 'extremely laughable'. Used in writing or formal speech.
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.
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.
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.
The idea that he could win is laughable.
Their attempt at cooking was laughable.
彼の提案は滑稽だ。
His proposal is laughable.
That story is laughable.
His argument is laughable.
His singing is so bad it's laughable.
His efforts are laughable.
His failure isn't even laughable; it's just sad.