ridícula
“ridícula” means “ridiculous” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
ridiculous, laughable
Also: absurd
📝 In Action
Su excusa era completamente ridícula, nadie le creyó.
A2Her excuse was completely ridiculous; no one believed her.
Llevaba una camisa ridícula para la entrevista de trabajo.
A2She was wearing a ridiculous shirt for the job interview.
Es una situación ridícula que tengamos que esperar tanto.
B1It's an absurd situation that we have to wait so long.
ridiculous woman
Also: fool, silly goose
📝 In Action
¡No seas una ridícula y deja de gritar en el cine!
B1Don't be a ridiculous person and stop shouting in the cinema!
La prensa la pintó como una ridícula después de su discurso.
B2The press painted her as a fool after her speech.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: ridícula
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'ridícula' as a noun (referring to a person)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word *ridiculus*, meaning 'laughable' or 'droll,' which itself is related to the verb *ridere*, meaning 'to laugh.'
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'ridícula' y 'cómica'?
Both relate to laughter, but 'cómica' (comical) is generally positive, meaning something is genuinely funny or entertaining. 'Ridícula' (ridiculous) is usually negative, meaning something is absurd, silly, or deserving of mockery.
Is 'ridícula' always an insult?
When describing an object or situation ('una regla ridícula'), it's usually just criticism. When describing a person, it often implies a lack of dignity or sense, and can be a strong insult, especially when used as a noun ('una ridícula').