ridículo
/ʁiˈd͡ʒi.ku.lu/
The English word ludicrous translates to Portuguese as ridículo.
The word is used to describe something that is idiotic or unthinkable, often to the point of being funny.
Meaning: idiotic or unthinkable, often to the point of being funny (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Portugal, the word parvo is used to describe something as ludicrous.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use ridícula for feminine nouns, ridículos for masculine plural nouns and ridículas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of ridículo is /ʁiˈdʒi.ku.lu/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- Portuguese has the word estapafúrdio, a more literary synonym for ridículo used to describe something so absurd it is almost surreal.
- In Brazil, calling someone a ridículo can feel much harsher and more insulting than the English 'ludicrous', often implying the person is genuinely contemptible rather than just silly.
- In certain contexts, saying é ridículo can be used as a form of sarcastic praise when something is so impressive it seems impossible.
Examples in context
- Que argumento ridículo!What a ludicrous argument!Tatoeba #10325678 by heo598, translation #4495709 by CK
- Eles apresentaram um plano absurdo para resolver o problema.They presented a ludicrous plan to solve the problem.
- A decisão do governo é simplesmente ridícula.The government's decision is simply ludicrous.
- Aquela ideia é maluca!That idea is ludicrous!
- A situação toda é completamente bizarra.The whole situation is absolutely ludicrous.
- Aquela decisão é completamente parva.That decision is utterly ludicrous.
- Essa história é simplesmente absurda!This story is simply ludicrous!
- Ele está usando um chapéu ridículo.He is wearing a ridiculous hat.
- Isso é um preço ridículo para um café.That is a ludicrous price for a coffee.
Example conversation
Camila and Lucas are looking at a very expensive menu.
- CamilaEste valor é ridículo, Lucas.This amount is ludicrous, Lucas.
- LucasSim, eu concordo com você.Yes, I agree with you.
- CamilaVamos pedir algo mais barato.Let's order something cheaper.
- LucasBoa ideia, Camila.Good idea, Camila.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ridículo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
