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.
そんなばかばかしい話は信じられない。
I can't believe such a ridiculous story.
ばかばかしい間違いをしてしまった。
I made a ridiculous mistake.
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.
彼の言い訳はおかしい。
His excuse is ridiculous.
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.
そんなくだらないことで怒らないで。
Don't get angry over such a ridiculous thing.
Literally 'it is foolish', a common phrase meaning something is absurd or ridiculous. Slightly more emphatic than ばかばかしい.
その提案は馬鹿げている。
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.
彼の失敗は滑稽だった。
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'.
この値段はひどい。
This price is ridiculous.
彼の態度はひどかった。
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.
その規則は理不尽だ。
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.
あの映画、笑えるくらいひどかった。
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.
彼の真似がおかしくて仕方なかった。
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.
とんでもない！そんなことできるわけがない。
That's ridiculous! There's no way I can do that.
とんでもない要求だ。
It's a ridiculous demand.
そんなのありえない！
That's ridiculous! (No way!)