ridicolo
/riˈdi.ko.lo/
The Italian word for ridiculous is ridicolo.
ridicolo is used to describe something or someone as foolish or absurd.
Meaning: foolish, absurd (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Northern Italy, particularly in the regions of Lombardy and Piedmont, the word fesso can be used to mean ridiculous or to suggest that someone is foolish.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the adjective changes to agree with the gender and number of the noun it describes: use ridicola for feminine singular nouns, ridicoli for masculine plural nouns and ridicole for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has four syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /riˈdi.ko.lo/.
Did you know?
- In a sarcastic context, an Italian might describe a very high price as un prezzo ridicolo, which can ironically mean the price is so low it is unbelievable.
- In a very informal setting, calling someone 'ridicolo' can sometimes feel more condescending than calling them 'pazzo', which means 'crazy'.
- While ridicolo describes the absurd, Italians often use assurdo to describe something that is logically impossible, though English speakers often use 'ridiculous' for both.
Examples in context
- Ciò è così ridicolo.This is so ridiculous.Tatoeba #3403120 by Guybrush88, translation #2892249 by CK
- È del tutto ridicolo.That's completely ridiculous.Tatoeba #12288235 by Guybrush88, translation #2439844 by Hybrid
- Tom pensa che è ridicolo.Tom thinks that's ridiculous.Tatoeba #5611819 by Guybrush88, translation #1141138 by CK
- 63 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Alessandro are discussing an expensive piece of clothing.
- MartinaGuarda questo vestito, costa mille euro!Look at this dress, it costs a thousand euros!
- AlessandroMa è ridicolo, non è nemmeno bello.But it's ridiculous, it's not even beautiful.
- MartinaHai ragione, è un prezzo assurdo.You're right, it's an absurd price.
- AlessandroSì, è davvero ridicolo spendere così tanto.Yes, it is truly ridiculous to spend so much.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ridicolo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
