Forgetting the 'se' (Reflexive Pronoun)
Mistake: “Using 'reír' instead of 'reírse'. For example, saying 'Yo río mucho.'”
Correction: Yo me río mucho.
How to say
laugh out loud
in SpanishReírse a carcajadas
ray-EER-seh ah kar-kah-KHAH-dahs
This is the classic, most direct translation for 'to laugh out loud.' It literally means 'to laugh in guffaws' and is the perfect, universally understood way to describe hearty laughter.
A moment so funny you can't help but laugh out loud. In Spanish, you might say you're 'partiéndose de la risa' (splitting with laughter).
🎬Watch & Learn
laugh out loud — in Spanish
💬Other Ways to Say It
Morirse de la risa
★★★★★
moh-REER-seh deh lah REE-sah
informal🌍
Literally 'to die of laughter,' this is an extremely common and expressive way to say you found something hilarious. It's the go-to phrase for many speakers in casual situations.
When to use: Use this with friends when a joke, story, or video is so funny you can barely handle it. It's dramatic and fun.
Partirse de la risa
★★★★☆
par-TEER-seh deh lah REE-sah
informal🇪🇸 🌎
Meaning 'to split with laughter,' this is another very popular and vivid expression. It's particularly common in Spain but is widely understood elsewhere.
When to use: Very similar to 'morirse de la risa.' Perfect for informal chats with friends when something has you in stitches.
Llorar de la risa
★★★★☆
yoh-RAHR deh lah REE-sah
informal🌍
This means 'to cry from laughing' and perfectly describes that moment when laughter is so intense that tears start streaming down your face. It's the next level of hilarious.
When to use: When you're describing the absolute peak of laughter, the kind that makes your stomach hurt and your eyes water.
Desternillarse de la risa
★★★☆☆
dess-tehr-nee-YAR-seh deh lah REE-sah
informal🌍
A fantastic, if slightly less common, phrase meaning 'to split one's sides with laughter.' The verb 'desternillarse' refers to breaking cartilage, so it paints a very strong picture of uncontrollable laughter.
When to use: When you want a more descriptive and powerful way to say something was hilarious. It shows a good command of Spanish.
Atacarle a uno la risa
★★★☆☆
ah-tah-KAR-leh ah OO-noh lah REE-sah
neutral🌍
This translates to 'for laughter to attack someone.' It's used to describe a sudden, uncontrollable fit of laughter or the giggles, often at an inappropriate time.
When to use: Use it to say 'I got a fit of the giggles' or 'I couldn't stop laughing.' For example, 'Me atacó la risa en medio de la reunión' (I got a fit of laughter in the middle of the meeting).
Carcajearse
★★☆☆☆
kar-kah-khay-AR-seh
neutral🌍
This is a single-verb version of 'reírse a carcajadas.' It means 'to guffaw' or 'to laugh loudly.' It's perfectly correct but less common in everyday conversation than the longer phrases.
When to use: You might see this more in writing or hear it from someone using more formal or precise language. It's a good word to recognize.
Matarse de la risa
★★★★☆
mah-TAR-seh deh lah REE-sah
informal🇦🇷 🇺🇾 🇨🇱
A regional variation of 'morirse de la risa,' this phrase means 'to kill oneself with laughter.' It's extremely common in the Southern Cone of South America.
When to use: If you're in Argentina, Uruguay, or Chile, this is the most natural and common way to express that something is hilarious among friends.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best expression for laughing based on intensity and context.
| Phrase | Intensity | Best For | Example Feeling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reírse a carcajadas | Describing a standard, hearty laugh out loud. It's the neutral standard. | ||
| Morirse de la risa | Informal, casual situations when something is incredibly funny. Your go-to with friends. | ||
| Partirse de la risa | Almost identical to 'morirse de la risa,' especially common in Spain. | ||
| Llorar de la risa | When the laughter is so intense and prolonged that you're literally crying. |
📈Difficulty Level
Overall Difficulty:Practice for several days
Pronunciation3/5
The 'j' in 'carcajadas' is like an English 'h,' which is easy. The 'rr' in 'reírse' can be tricky for English speakers to roll.
Grammar3/5
The verb 'reírse' is reflexive (uses 'me', 'te', 'se') and has an irregular conjugation (río, ríes, ríe), which requires some practice.
Cultural Nuance2/5
The concept is universal, but knowing the different levels of intensity and which phrases are more common in certain regions is key.
Key Challenges:
- Mastering the irregular conjugation of 'reírse'
- Remembering to always use the reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, etc.)
- Choosing the right expression for the level of funniness
💡Examples in Action
Describing a past eventB1
La película era tan graciosa que toda la sala no paraba de reírse a carcajadas.
The movie was so funny that the whole theater couldn't stop laughing out loud.
Casual conversation with a friendA2
¡No me cuentes más! ¡Me estoy muriendo de la risa y no puedo respirar!
Don't tell me any more! I'm dying of laughter and I can't breathe!
Telling a funny family storyB1
Cuando mi papá intentó bailar, todos nos partimos de la risa.
When my dad tried to dance, we all split our sides laughing.
Explaining an embarrassing situationB2
Intenté mantenerme seria, pero me atacó la risa en el peor momento.
I tried to stay serious, but I got a fit of the giggles at the worst moment.
🌍Cultural Context
The Sound of Laughter: 'Ja ja ja'
In English, the sound of laughter is written 'ha ha ha.' In Spanish, it's 'ja ja ja.' Remember that the Spanish 'j' is pronounced like the 'h' in 'hat,' so it sounds the same but is spelled differently. Using 'haha' in a Spanish text can look like a typo to a native speaker.
Expressive and Physical Language
Spanish expressions for laughter are often very physical and dramatic, like 'dying,' 'splitting,' or 'crying.' This reflects a cultural tendency towards open and vivid emotional expression. Don't be afraid to use these phrases; they don't sound as extreme in Spanish as their literal translations do in English.
The Many Flavors of 'Jajaja'
Just like in English, the way you type your 'jajas' matters. 'jaja' is a small chuckle. 'jajaja' is a standard laugh. 'JAJAJAJA' in all caps is a huge, loud laugh. You'll also see 'jejeje' (for a mischievous or softer laugh) and 'jijiji' (for a giggle).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Literal Translation
Mistake: “Trying to translate 'laugh out loud' word-for-word, like 'reír ruidosamente afuera.'”
Correction: Reírse a carcajadas.
Pronouncing 'Jajaja' like an English 'J'
Mistake: “Reading 'jajaja' with a 'j' sound as in 'jump.'”
Correction: Pronounce it with an 'h' sound, like 'hahaha.'
💡Pro Tips
Match the Pronoun to the Person
Remember that since 'reírse' is a reflexive verb, the pronoun has to match the subject. It's 'Yo me río' (I laugh), 'Tú te ríes' (You laugh), 'Él/Ella se ríe' (He/She laughs), and 'Nosotros nos reímos' (We laugh). Getting this right will make you sound much more natural.
Choose Your Intensity
Think of these phrases on a scale. A simple 'me río' is a laugh. 'Reírse a carcajadas' is a loud laugh. 'Morirse de la risa' is for something hilarious. 'Llorar de la risa' is for when you've completely lost it. Choose the phrase that matches how funny the situation really is.
Combine with Other Words
You can add words to emphasize your laughter. For example, 'Nos morimos de la risa' (We were dying of laughter) or 'Me partí de la risa con tu chiste' (I split my sides laughing at your joke).
🗺️Regional Variations
🇪🇸
Spain
Preferred:Partirse de la risa
Pronunciation:The 'c' in 'carcajadas' is pronounced with a 'th' sound in most of Spain (kar-ka-THAH-dahs).
Alternatives:
Descojonarse de la risa (vulgar slang)Mearse de la risa (literally 'to pee oneself from laughing', very informal)
While 'morirse de la risa' is used, 'partirse de la risa' feels particularly Spanish. They also use very colorful, and sometimes vulgar, slang for intense laughter among close friends.
⚠️ Note: Be careful with 'descojonarse' unless you are with very close friends who use similar language.
🇲🇽
Mexico
Preferred:Morirse de la risa
Pronunciation:Standard Latin American pronunciation. The 's' sound is always crisp.
Alternatives:
Botarse de la risa (to throw oneself with laughter)Atacarse de la risa
Usage is very standard and aligns with the primary translations. 'Botarse de la risa' is a fun, slightly slangy alternative you'll hear in casual contexts.
⚠️ Note: No major phrases to avoid, the universal ones work perfectly.
🌍
Argentina & Uruguay
Preferred:Matarse de la risa
Pronunciation:The 'll' in 'desternillarse' and 'y' are pronounced with a 'sh' sound ('desterni-SHAR-se').
Alternatives:
Cagarse de la risa (vulgar slang, literally 'to sh*t oneself from laughing')Estar tentado de la risa (to be tempted by laughter, i.e., trying not to laugh)
The switch from 'morirse' to 'matarse' is a key regional marker. The 'sh' pronunciation (known as 'sheísmo' or 'yeísmo rehilado') is also a very distinct feature of this region's accent.
⚠️ Note: Using 'cagarse de la risa' is very common but is considered vulgar, so only use it in very informal, trusted company.
📱Texting & Social Media
jajaja
ja ja ja
The universal standard for 'haha' used on WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, etc.
Viste el video del gato? jajaja
Did you see the video of the cat? hahaha
jejeje
je je je
Used for a more subtle, mischievous, or even nervous laugh. Think of it as 'hehehe.'
Ups, creo que me comí el último chocolate jejeje
Oops, I think I ate the last chocolate hehehe
jijiji
ji ji ji
Represents a giggle or a more high-pitched, sometimes childish or flirty laugh.
Me dijo que le gusto jijiji
He told me he likes me heeheehee
jojojo
jo jo jo
This is almost exclusively for Santa Claus ('Papá Noel') or imitating a deep belly laugh. Not for general use.
¡Feliz Navidad! ¡Jojojo!
Merry Christmas! Hohoho!
💬What Comes Next?
After someone tells a funny joke or story
They say:
—
—
→
You respond:
¡Qué gracioso! / ¡Qué bueno!
That's hilarious! / That's great!
Someone sees you laughing and asks what's funny
They say:
¿De qué te ríes?
What are you laughing at?
→
You respond:
De nada, solo recordé algo gracioso.
Nothing, I just remembered something funny.
You want to share why you're laughing
They say:
¿Qué pasa?
What's up?
→
You respond:
Es que [nombre] me contó un chiste y me morí de la risa.
It's just that [name] told me a joke and I was dying of laughter.
🧠Memory Tricks
Think of a CAR CACKLING. The Spanish word 'carcajada' (kar-kah-KHAH-dah) has a harsh, loud sound, just like a loud, cackling laugh.
This sound association helps you remember that 'carcajada' isn't a small chuckle, but a big, loud guffaw.
For 'Morirse de la risa', think 'I'm so amused I could die!' The English expression 'I'm dying!' when something is funny is a direct parallel.
Connecting the dramatic Spanish phrase to a similar (though less common) dramatic English expression makes it easier to remember and use in the right context.
🔄How It Differs from English
The biggest difference is the physicality and drama in Spanish expressions. While English has 'I'm dying laughing,' it's less common than the daily use of 'morirse de la risa' in Spanish. Spanish also has a wider variety of common, intense phrases ('partirse,' 'desternillarse') than English. Furthermore, the written representation of laughter ('jajaja' vs 'haha') is a crucial digital communication difference.
False Friends & Common Confusions:
"LOL"
Why it''s different: 'LOL' is an acronym. While some very online, younger Spanish speakers might recognize it from English-language internet culture, it is not used in Spanish. Typing 'LOL' in a Spanish conversation is a dead giveaway that you're not a native speaker.
Use instead: Use 'jajaja' for texting and social media. It is the direct cultural and functional equivalent of 'lol' or 'haha'.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to say 'to smile' in Spanish
It's the next step down from laughing. The verb is 'sonreír,' which is related to 'reír.'
How to say 'that's funny' in Spanish
This is what you say to cause someone to laugh out loud. Phrases like 'qué gracioso' or 'qué chistoso' are essential.
How to tell a joke in Spanish
Once you know how to react to humor, you can learn how to create it with 'contar un chiste.'
How to say 'I'm joking' in Spanish
Useful for clarifying your tone after making a sarcastic or funny comment. You'll need 'estoy bromeando.'
✏️Test Your Knowledge
Quick Quiz: laugh out loud
Question 1 of 3
You're texting your friend in Mexico about a hilarious meme they sent you. What's the most natural way to respond?
Use phrases naturally, not mechanically
Knowing a phrase is one thing — using it at the right moment is another. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories to see phrases in the contexts where they actually belong.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between 'reír' and 'reírse'?
Think of 'reírse' as the action of laughing. It's what you do. 'Yo me río' means 'I am laughing.' The non-reflexive 'reír' is much less common and is often used more poetically or when describing the abstract concept of laughter, like 'reír es bueno para la salud' (to laugh is good for your health). For everyday laughing, always use 'reírse'.
Is it okay to just type one long 'jajajajajaja'?
Yes, absolutely! The more 'ja's you add, the more you're laughing. A simple 'jaja' is a small chuckle, while 'jajajajajajaja' means you're really cracking up. Capitalizing it ('JAJAJA') adds even more intensity.
Are phrases like 'morirse de la risa' too dramatic for normal conversation?
Not at all! In Spanish, these kinds of expressive, dramatic phrases are completely normal in casual conversation. While 'to die of laughter' might sound a bit much in English, 'morirse de la risa' is a standard, everyday phrase used among friends and family. Don't be shy about using it.
How do I conjugate the verb 'reírse'?
It's irregular, which can be tricky! The key is the 'e' changes to an 'í' in most present tense forms, and you need the reflexive pronoun. It goes: (yo) me río, (tú) te ríes, (él/ella/usted) se ríe, (nosotros) nos reímos, (vosotros) os reís, (ellos/ellas/ustedes) se ríen.
What if I just want to say someone has a loud laugh?
You can say, 'Él/Ella tiene una risa muy fuerte' (He/She has a very loud laugh). If you want to describe the sound of their laugh, you could say, 'Tiene una carcajada muy contagiosa' (He/She has a very contagious guffaw/laugh).
Is there a Spanish equivalent for 'LMAO'?
There's no direct acronym equivalent. The feeling of 'LMAO' is best captured by the most intense phrases. In Spain, the vulgar slang 'descojonarse' or 'mearse de la risa' comes closest. Universally, saying '¡No puedo más!' (I can't take it anymore!) or '¡Lloro de la risa!' conveys that extreme level of hilarity.
📖Related Lessons
Grammar You''ll Need
Strengthen the grammar behind this phrase:
Helpful Articles
Dive deeper into related topics:
📚Continue Learning Spanish Phrases
Explore More Phrases in These Categories
Find similar phrases to expand your Spanish vocabulary:
Want to Learn More Spanish Phrases?
Browse our complete collection of Spanish phrases organized by situation, from basic greetings to advanced conversations. Perfect for travelers, students, and anyone learning Spanish.
View All Spanish Phrases →