intenta no reírte
/intenta no ɾeiɾte/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "try not to laugh" can be said as intenta no reírte.
This phrase is used as an instruction or a challenge to avoid laughing, which is common in games or various social situations.
Which one should you use?
While intenta no reírte is the standard way to express this, you can also use Intente contener la risa to mean "try to control your laughter" or Evite reírse to mean "avoid laughing".
Is it said differently in some regions?
When addressing a group of people, use intenten no reírse in Latin America or intentad no reíros in Spain.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form intenta no reírte uses the informal singular 'tú' imperative. To address a single person formally, use intente no reírse. You can also say intenta no reír by using the non-reflexive form of the verb. This is grammatically correct and common when the focus is on the act of laughing itself rather than the person's reaction.
How do you pronounce it?
/intenta no ɾeiɾte/
Did you know?
- While reír is the basic verb for 'to laugh', Spanish also has the verb carcajear, which specifically refers to laughing out loud or laughing heartily.
- Spanish speakers often use the word risa (laughter) as a noun in phrases like me dio risa, which translates to 'it gave me laughter' rather than 'it made me laugh'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a stifled laugh during a solemn moment is described as aguantar la risa, which literally means 'to hold back' or 'endure' the laughter.
Examples in context
- ¡Intenta no reírte mientras ves este video!Try not to laugh while watching this video!
- Mira este video, pero intenta no reírte.Watch this video, but try not to laugh.
- Es un juego serio, así que intenta no reírte.It is a serious game, so try not to laugh.
- Si ves la cara de Mateo, intenta no reírte.If you see Mateo's face, try not to laugh.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are playing a challenge game.
- ElenaMira mi cara e intenta no reírte.Look at my face and try not to laugh.
- MateoEs muy difícil, pero lo intentaré.It is very difficult, but I will try.
- Elena¡Ya te estás riendo, Mateo!You are already laughing, Mateo!
- MateoEstá bien, tú ganaste.Alright, you won.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
