超面白い
chō omoshiroi
The English phrase "so funny" can be translated into Japanese as 超面白い (chō omoshiroi).
超面白い is used to describe something that is extremely amusing or interesting.
What does it mean word for word?
超 (chō) is a prefix that literally means "super" or "ultra", used here to mean "so" or "extremely". The word 面白い (omoshiroi) can mean both "funny" (amusing) or "interesting" depending on the context.
Which one should you use?
While 超面白い means "so funny", you can also use すごく面白い to say "very funny" and 笑える to say "it makes me laugh". For a more formal way to say "It's too funny", use 面白すぎます.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
超面白い is an informal and colloquial phrase due to the use of the prefix 超.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that something "was" so funny, you can change the adjective ending to the past tense form 超面白かった.
How do you pronounce it?
chō omoshiroi
Did you know?
- Japanese has a specific term called 草 (kusa), meaning 'grass', used in online comments to signify laughter. This comes from the letter 'w' (from warau, to laugh) being repeated, which looks like blades of grass growing across the screen.
- The word 面白い (omoshiroi) is composed of characters meaning 'interesting' and 'taste'. Historically, it referred to the feeling of a cool breeze on a hot day, which was considered 'refreshing' or 'interesting'.
- While 超面白い is used for things that are funny, the word 笑える (waraeru) can be used sarcastically to describe a situation so absurd or pathetic that it is almost funny.
Examples in context
- そのジョーク、面白すぎます！That joke is so funny!
- 最近のテレビドラマ、すごく面白いよ！The recent TV drama is so funny!
- その場面、笑える！That scene is hilarious!
- この映画、超面白い。Kono eiga, chō omoshiroi.This movie is so funny.
- あの芸人は超面白いですね。Ano geinin wa chō omoshiroi desu ne.That comedian is so funny, isn't he?
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are talking about a YouTube video.
- 結衣 Yuiこの動画、見た？Kono dōga, mita?Did you see this video?
- 健太 Kentaうん、超面白いね！Un, chō omoshiroi ne!Yeah, it's so funny!
- 結衣 Yuiだよね。何回も見ちゃう。Da yo ne. Nankai mo michau.Right? I keep watching it over and over.
- 健太 Kenta本当に最高だね。Hontō ni saikō da ne.It really is the best.
