risita
/riˈsita/feminine
The English phrase 'giggle' can be translated into Spanish as risita. If unsure, use risita. Wiktionary also lists reír[se] tontamente and soltar risitas.
Meaning: laugh (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| risita | /riˈsita/ | feminine |
| reír[se] tontamente | ||
| soltar risitas | /soltaɾ ɾisitas/ (from spelling rules) |
In Spanish, you can express the concept of a giggle as a noun or a verb. The noun risita refers to the giggle itself, while soltar risitas is a common phrase used to describe the action of someone suddenly breaking into giggles. You can also use the verbal phrase reír[se] tontamente.
What does it mean word for word?
The noun risita is a diminutive of the word risa (laugh).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word risita is a feminine noun. Its plural form is risitas, which means 'giggles'.
How do you pronounce it?
/riˈsita/
Did you know?
- The word risita uses a diminutive suffix that can signal mischief or irony rather than just a small sound. This transforms a simple 'giggle' into a nuanced social cue.
- The word soltar in the phrase soltar risitas comes from the Latin solvere, which is the same root for the English word 'solve'.
- The root of risa is shared with the English word 'ridiculous', as both stem from the same Latin root for things that provoke laughter.
Examples in context
- Ella tiene una tierna risita.She has a cute giggle.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use the noun risita to describe a person's giggle.Tatoeba #1349836 by marcelostockle, translation #702843 by papabear
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are watching a comedy show together.
- AlejandroSofía, ¿por qué sueltas esa risita?Sofía, why are you giggling?
- SofíaEs que el programa es muy divertido.It's just that the show is very funny.
- AlejandroTu risita es muy contagiosa.Your giggle is very contagious.
- SofíaGracias, Alejandro, me alegra que te guste.Thanks, Alejandro, I'm glad you like it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “giggle” translations and entries risita, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries risita, soltar, tontamente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
