Inklingo

How to Say "laugh" in Spanish

English → Spanish

risa

REE-sahˈri.sa

nounA1general
Use 'risa' when referring to the sound or the act of laughing itself as a concept or event.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration of a cheerful character, perhaps a child, laughing heartily with a wide-open mouth and closed, joyful eyes, depicting the action of laughter.

Examples

Su risa llenó toda la habitación.

Her laughter filled the whole room.

Me dio mucha risa cuando se cayó el pastel.

The cake falling gave me a lot of laughs (or, I found it very funny).

Tiene una risa contagiosa que hace reír a todos.

She has a contagious laugh that makes everyone else laugh.

Always Feminine

Since 'risa' is a feminine noun, you must use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'la risa' or 'mucha risa').

Noun vs. Verb

Remember that 'risa' is the noun (the thing/sound), while 'reír' is the verb (the action: 'to laugh').

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Me gusta risar mucho. (Incorrect: using the noun as a verb)”

Correction: Me gusta reír mucho. (Correct: using the verb 'to laugh')

reír

verbB1general
Use 'reír' (conjugated as 'ría' in the imperfect subjunctive) when expressing wishes, doubts, or commands related to the action of laughing.

Examples

Espero que ella se ría con mi regalo.

I hope she laughs at my gift.

Noun vs. Verb Confusion

Learners often confuse 'risa' (the noun for laughter) with 'reír' (the verb to laugh). Remember, 'risa' is the sound or act, while 'reír' is the action itself, often used in subjunctive clauses like 'ría'.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.