A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "That's funny" in Italian
Say 'Che ridere!' to express that something is genuinely funny or amusing in Italian.
Che ridere!
keh REE-deh-rehcasual
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when you find something truly amusing, like a funny story someone tells or a comical situation you witness. It's a spontaneous reaction to something that makes you laugh.
Alternatives
- Che spasso!Slightly more enthusiastic, implies great fun.
- Fa ridere.More of a statement that something *causes* laughter.
Ways to get it wrong
Don't say 'È divertente'
'È divertente' means 'it's entertaining,' not necessarily 'it's funny/makes me laugh.'
Avoid 'Che buffo'
'Che buffo' means 'how strange/odd,' and can sometimes imply something is a bit weird rather than funny.
A small cultural note
Italians often express amusement with more gusto than English speakers might expect. A hearty 'Che ridere!' can be a great way to connect.
Frequently asked
What's the difference between Che ridere and È divertente?
Che ridere! is a direct reaction to something funny, meaning 'That's hilarious!' or 'What a laugh!'. È divertente means 'it's entertaining' or 'it's fun,' which is broader.
Can I use Che ridere with strangers?
It's generally casual, so it's best reserved for people you're on a 'tu' basis with. With strangers, you might opt for a more neutral expression if something is amusing.
Is there a more formal way to say something is funny?
For formal settings, you might say 'È molto divertente' or 'Trovo la situazione piuttosto comica,' which are more descriptive and less exclamatory.
