可笑

• Pinyin: kě xiào
• Hanzi breakdown: 可 = worthy; 笑 = 竹 (bamboo) + 夭

Meaning

Ridiculous; laughable; absurd. Describes something so foolish or unreasonable that it invites mockery.

Can express genuine amusement but more often conveys contempt or disdain for something illogical, pretentious, or foolish. Used to dismiss arguments, behavior, or situations as not worthy of serious consideration.

Examples

1. 他居然相信那种可笑的谣言。 He actually believes such ridiculous rumors.
2. 把失败归咎于运气是非常可笑的借口。 Blaming failure on luck is a laughable excuse.
3. 那个政客的辩解简直可笑至极。 That politician's justification is absolutely absurd.

Usage Guide

Context: criticism, mockery, dismissal

Tone: contemptuous

Do Say

• 这种说法太可笑了。(This kind of argument is ridiculous.)
• 他的自大真是可笑。(His arrogance is truly laughable.)

Don't Say

• 这个喜剧电影很可笑。(Don't use 可笑 for intentional comedy — use 好笑 or 搞笑; 可笑 implies unintentional absurdity)

Origin & History

Compound of 可 (worthy of) + 笑 (laughter). Literally means 'worthy of laughter' but often implies mockery.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal