Translation guide
Expresses that something is so unreasonable, absurd, or foolish that it is laughable. Japanese uses different words depending on whether you are describing a situation, an idea, a price, or a person's behavior.
Describing a situation, idea, or statement that is completely unreasonable or laughably absurd.
The most common and versatile way to say something is ludicrous or absurd. Literally 'it is foolish/ridiculous'. Can be used for ideas, situations, or actions.
そんな話は馬鹿げている。
That story is ludicrous.
His proposal is completely ludicrous.
A more formal or literary term meaning 'absurd' or 'preposterous', often used for stories, theories, or ideas that are wildly unrealistic.
その映画の筋書きは荒唐無稽だ。
The plot of that movie is ludicrous.
Means 'comical' or 'ludicrous' in a way that provokes laughter. Often used for behavior or situations that are so absurd they become funny.
彼の大げさな身振りは滑稽だった。
His exaggerated gestures were ludicrous.
Describing a price, number, or amount that is so extreme it seems absurd.
Literally 'stupidly cheap'. Used for prices that are ludicrously low. Can be replaced with 高い (expensive) for the opposite.
この店の服は馬鹿みたいに安い。
The clothes in this store are ludicrously cheap.
Means 'outrageously expensive'. とんでもない expresses that something is unthinkable or absurd.
あのレストランはとんでもなく高い。
That restaurant is ludicrously expensive.
Describing something that is so poorly done or so absurd that it becomes laughable.
Casual expression meaning 'it makes me laugh' (because it's so ridiculous). Often used when something is ludicrously bad or silly.
彼の言い訳には笑っちゃうよ。
His excuse is ludicrous (makes me laugh).
Literally 'a laughing matter'. Used for something so absurd it becomes a joke. Somewhat old-fashioned.
彼の演技はお笑い草だった。
His performance was ludicrous (a laughingstock).
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'ludicrous'. Direct translations like 滑稽 or 荒唐無稽 can sound overly formal or literary. In everyday speech, 馬鹿げている or 馬鹿みたい are much more natural.