Translation guide
The English word 'ridiculous' expresses that something is absurd, laughable, or unreasonable. In Japanese, the most common equivalents are ばかばかしい (bakabakashii) for 'absurd/nonsensical' and おかしい (okashii) for 'funny/strange'. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize foolishness, humor, or irrationality. This guide covers natural expressions for different nuances.
Expressing that something is so unreasonable or stupid that it's laughable or hard to take seriously.
The most direct equivalent for 'ridiculous' in the sense of absurd, foolish, or nonsensical. It conveys that something is so stupid it's not worth taking seriously. Common in both speech and writing.
I can't believe such a ridiculous story.
Means 'funny', 'strange', or 'ridiculous' depending on context. It can imply something is laughably odd or unreasonable. Less strong than ばかばかしい, and can simply mean 'funny' in a positive sense.
Means 'trivial', 'worthless', or 'ridiculous' in the sense of being silly or not worth one's time. Often used for jokes, ideas, or things considered a waste of time.
Literally 'it is foolish', a common phrase meaning something is absurd or ridiculous. Slightly more emphatic than ばかばかしい.
That proposal is ridiculous.
Means 'comical' or 'ludicrous'. More literary or formal, often used to describe a situation that is absurdly funny. Not common in casual speech.
His failure was ridiculous (ludicrous).
Expressing that something is so excessive or unfair that it's hard to believe or accept.
Means 'terrible', 'awful', or 'outrageous'. Often used when something is unreasonably bad or excessive. Can translate to 'ridiculous' in contexts like 'ridiculous price' or 'ridiculous treatment'.
This price is ridiculous.
His attitude was ridiculous (outrageous).
An adjective meaning 'outrageous', 'absurd', or 'unthinkable'. Often used as an exclamation ('That's ridiculous!') or to describe an unreasonable situation. Very common in speech.
Literally 'cannot exist', used colloquially to mean 'unbelievable', 'impossible', or 'ridiculous'. Expresses strong disbelief or that something is out of the question.
Means 'unreasonable' or 'irrational', emphasizing lack of logic or fairness. More formal and often used in written contexts or serious complaints.
That rule is ridiculous (unreasonable).
Focusing on the humorous or laughable aspect of something being ridiculous.
Means 'laughable' or 'funny'. Used when something is so absurd that it makes you laugh. Casual and common.
That movie was so bad it was ridiculous (laughable).
A phrase meaning 'so funny/ridiculous I can't help it'. Emphasizes that something is hilariously absurd.
His imitation was so ridiculous I couldn't stop laughing.
ばかばかしい focuses on foolishness or absurdity (e.g., a ridiculous idea). おかしい can mean 'funny-strange' or 'funny-haha', and is milder. ひどい is for outrageousness or severity (e.g., a ridiculous price). Choose based on whether you want to emphasize stupidity, oddness, or excess.
Do not directly translate 'ridiculous' as リディキュラス (ridikyurasu) in Japanese; it is not used. Also, be careful with おかしい when you mean 'funny' in a positive way, as it can be ambiguous. Use context to clarify.
I made a ridiculous mistake.
彼の言い訳はおかしい。
His excuse is ridiculous.
Don't get angry over such a ridiculous thing.
That's ridiculous! There's no way I can do that.
It's a ridiculous demand.
そんなのありえない！
That's ridiculous! (No way!)