Translation guide
How to express the idea of someone or something that is made fun of or laughed at in Japanese.
Referring to a person who is the target of mockery or laughter.
Common word for a person who is laughed at or made fun of. Often used in the phrase 笑い者になる (to become a laughingstock).
Referring to an object, idea, or situation that is made fun of.
Neutral phrase meaning 'object of laughter'. Can be used for things or situations.
Expressing the action or state of becoming an object of ridicule.
Common phrase meaning 'to become a laughingstock'.
The English phrase 'object of ridicule' is not directly translatable as a single noun in most contexts. Use the expressions above depending on whether you refer to a person, thing, or the state of being ridiculed.
He became the laughingstock of the class.
If you do that, you'll be laughed at.
Similar to 笑い者, meaning a laughingstock. Slightly more literary.
He became the laughingstock of the town.
Literally 'seed of laughter', meaning a source of amusement or ridicule. Can refer to a person or thing.
His failure became a source of ridicule.
Formal expression meaning 'target of ridicule'. Used in writing or formal speech.
His proposal became the object of ridicule.
That old custom became an object of ridicule.
Similar to 笑いの種, but with a slightly more literary feel. Means 'source of ridicule'.
His outfit was an object of ridicule.
If you make a remark like that, you'll become a laughingstock.
Slightly more literary version of 笑い者になる.
He was afraid of becoming a laughingstock.