Translation guide
How to express that something caused someone to start laughing, often suddenly or uncontrollably.
To describe an action or event that makes a person or group start laughing.
The most direct and common way to say 'make someone laugh'. The subject causes the object to laugh.
彼の冗談がみんなを笑わせた。
His joke set everyone laughing.
その話は彼女を笑わせた。
The story set her laughing.
Literally 'invite laughter'. Used when something naturally provokes laughter, often unintentionally or in a more descriptive sense.
彼のぎこちない動きが笑いを誘った。
His awkward movements set people laughing.
A vivid expression meaning 'to sweep someone into a whirlpool of laughter'. Used when a person or situation causes an entire group to burst into laughter.
彼の一言が会場を笑いの渦に巻き込んだ。
His single remark set the whole venue laughing.
To describe the action of starting to laugh suddenly, often as a reaction.
Do not translate 'set to laughing' word-for-word. There is no direct equivalent of 'set' in this context. Use causative forms or specific verbs for bursting into laughter.
Means 'to burst out laughing' or 'start laughing'. Focuses on the sudden onset of laughter.
彼の顔を見て、みんな笑い出した。
Seeing his face, everyone burst out laughing.
Literally 'spurt out', used for sudden, uncontrollable laughter, often when trying to hold it in.
あまりのおかしさに吹き出してしまった。
It was so funny I burst out laughing.
Means 'to roar with laughter' or 'laugh explosively'. Stronger than just laughing.
そのコントに観客は爆笑した。
The audience roared with laughter at the skit.