滑稽

こっけい

funny, humorous, comical

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"滑稽" (huájī) primarily describes something or someone that is comical, funny, or ridiculous in a way that provokes laughter. It often refers to performances, stories, or appearances that are amusingly absurd or entertaining.

Common Contexts

It is frequently used to describe comedic acts, humorous anecdotes, or situations where something looks silly or laughable. The tone can be lighthearted or mildly mocking depending on context.

Collocations and Patterns

Usage Notes

While "滑稽" often has a positive or neutral humorous connotation, it can sometimes imply that something is absurd or ridiculous in a slightly negative way. It is less formal and more colloquial than some synonyms like "搞笑" (gǎoxiào). Avoid confusing it with "幽默" (yōumò), which emphasizes wit rather than silliness.

Example Sentences

His performance was very comical, making everyone laugh out loud.

This story sounds a bit funny, but actually has a deeper meaning.

He looked very ridiculous in that outfit, and everyone couldn't help