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.
その古い習慣は笑いの対象になった。
That old custom became an object of ridicule.
Expressing the action or state of becoming an object of ridicule.
Common phrase meaning 'to become a laughingstock'.
あんな発言をしたら笑い者になるよ。
If you make a remark like that, you'll 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.
彼はクラスの笑い者になった。
He became the laughingstock of the class.
そんなことをしたら笑い者になるよ。
If you do that, you'll be laughed at.
Similar to 笑い者, meaning a laughingstock. Slightly more literary.
彼は町の物笑いになった。
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.
彼の失敗が笑いの種になった。
His failure became a source of ridicule.
Formal expression meaning 'target of ridicule'. Used in writing or formal speech.
彼の提案は嘲笑の的となった。
His proposal became the object of ridicule.
Similar to 笑いの種, but with a slightly more literary feel. Means 'source of ridicule'.
彼の服装は物笑いの種だった。
His outfit was an object of ridicule.
Slightly more literary version of 笑い者になる.
彼は物笑いになるのを恐れた。
He was afraid of becoming a laughingstock.