Inklingo

How to Say "ridiculous" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ridículo

adjectiveA2informal
Use this word for general silliness or absurdity that is obviously out of place or foolish, often implying something is laughable.

Examples

Llevar un abrigo en verano es ridículo.

Wearing a coat in summer is ridiculous.

absurdo

ahb-SOOR-doh/aβˈsuɾðo/

adjectiveB1
Choose this word when the situation or idea is completely illogical, nonsensical, and defies reason, often with a slightly more formal or emphatic tone.
A bright red umbrella is held open indoors beneath a ceiling fan, catching green leaves that are falling from the fan. This action is contrary to reason.

Examples

La idea de ir a la playa en medio de la tormenta es completamente absurda.

The idea of going to the beach in the middle of the storm is completely absurd.

Su argumento era tan absurdo que nadie lo tomó en serio.

His argument was so ridiculous that no one took him seriously.

Las reglas del nuevo juego son absurdas y muy difíciles de seguir.

The rules of the new game are nonsensical and very difficult to follow.

Gender and Number Agreement

As an adjective, 'absurdo' must change its ending to match the noun it describes: 'absurdo' (masculine singular), 'absurda' (feminine singular), 'absurdos' (masculine plural), or 'absurdas' (feminine plural).

Forgetting Agreement

Mistake: “La situación es absurdo.”

Correction: La situación es absurda. (Since 'situación' is feminine, the adjective must also be feminine.)

Choosing between 'ridículo' and 'absurdo'

Learners often confuse 'ridículo' and 'absurdo.' While both mean 'ridiculous,' 'ridículo' is the more direct and common translation for general silliness. Use 'absurdo' when you want to strongly emphasize the lack of logic or sense in something.

Related Translations

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