In 15 Seconds
- Expresses frustration with absurd or unfair situations.
- Can be used casually with friends or in frustrating public moments.
- Focuses on the situation's lack of logic or fairness.
Meaning
This phrase is used to call out something that is absurd, nonsensical, or totally unfair. It’s your go-to reaction when reality feels a bit broken or someone is being unreasonable.
Key Examples
3 of 6Reacting to a high price
Vinte reais por uma água? Isso é ridículo!
Twenty reais for a water? That's ridiculous!
Complaining about a long line
Duas horas de espera? Isso é ridículo.
Two hours of waiting? This is ridiculous.
Discussing a bad rule at work
Não podemos usar jeans na sexta? Isso é ridículo.
We can't wear jeans on Friday? That's ridiculous.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'Isso é ridículo' is often used to vent about 'Custo Brasil' (the high cost of living and doing business). It's a bonding phrase for people stuck in traffic or paying high taxes. Portuguese speakers in Europe might use 'Que parvoíce' (How silly/stupid) more often for minor things, reserving 'ridículo' for truly outrageous social behavior. In Luanda, the phrase might be used with a specific local cadence, often followed by 'pá' or 'mambo' to emphasize the absurdity of a situation. On Brazilian Twitter/X, 'ridículo' is often used to describe 'cringe' moments or celebrities acting out of touch.
The Eye Roll
To sound like a native, pair 'Isso é ridículo' with a subtle eye roll or a sigh.
Gender Agreement
If you name the thing that is ridiculous, check its gender! 'Essa ideia é ridícula'.
In 15 Seconds
- Expresses frustration with absurd or unfair situations.
- Can be used casually with friends or in frustrating public moments.
- Focuses on the situation's lack of logic or fairness.
What It Means
Isso é ridículo is a powerful way to express disbelief or frustration. It goes beyond just being 'funny' or 'silly.' When you say this, you are pointing out that a situation lacks logic or fairness. It’s like saying 'this is nonsense' or 'this is outrageous.' You use it when the world doesn't make sense.
How To Use It
You can drop this phrase into a conversation when you hear bad news. Use it when you see a price tag that is way too high. It works as a standalone reaction or as a sentence starter. If you want more punch, stress the dí in ridículo. It makes you sound like a local who has had enough. Just point at the problem and say it.
When To Use It
Use it at a restaurant if they charge for tap water. Use it with friends when a soccer referee makes a bad call. It’s perfect for texting when your boss asks for a report at 5 PM on Friday. It’s great for venting about traffic or bureaucracy. It shows you have an opinion and you aren't afraid to share it.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this in a very formal job interview. It might sound a bit too aggressive or dismissive to a superior. Don't use it to describe a person’s appearance unless you want to be mean. It’s about the situation, not usually the human being. If a friend is crying, this might be too harsh. Keep it for things that are actually absurd.
Cultural Background
Brazilians and Portuguese people value common sense and 'jeitinho.' When things get too bureaucratic or prices skyrocket, this phrase is a national anthem. It reflects a culture that loves to debate and call out nonsense. It’s a very 'passionate' expression. It shows you are engaged with the world around you. It’s the verbal version of throwing your hands up in the air.
Common Variations
You might hear Que ridículo! for a quicker, sharper reaction. Some people say Isso é um absurdo! when they are truly angry. If it’s just a little bit silly, you might hear Que bobeira. But for the real deal, stick with Isso é ridículo. It carries the right amount of weight for most daily annoyances.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral to informal. It is very common in daily speech to express annoyance. Be careful not to direct it at people unless you intend to offend.
The Eye Roll
To sound like a native, pair 'Isso é ridículo' with a subtle eye roll or a sigh.
Gender Agreement
If you name the thing that is ridiculous, check its gender! 'Essa ideia é ridícula'.
Softening the blow
Add 'meio' (kind of) to make it less aggressive: 'Isso é meio ridículo, não acha?'
Examples
6Vinte reais por uma água? Isso é ridículo!
Twenty reais for a water? That's ridiculous!
A classic use for overpricing.
Duas horas de espera? Isso é ridículo.
Two hours of waiting? This is ridiculous.
Expressing frustration with inefficiency.
Não podemos usar jeans na sexta? Isso é ridículo.
We can't wear jeans on Friday? That's ridiculous.
Critiquing a corporate policy.
O final do filme foi péssimo. Isso é ridículo!
The movie ending was terrible. This is ridiculous!
Sharing an opinion on entertainment.
Ele realmente disse isso? Isso é ridículo!
He really said that? That's ridiculous!
Used here with a hint of humor and disbelief.
O site caiu de novo. Isso é ridículo.
The site crashed again. This is ridiculous.
General tech frustration.
Test Yourself
Choose the best response to: 'O ingresso para o show custa 800 reais!'
O ingresso para o show custa 800 reais!
800 reais is a very high price for a ticket, making it 'ridículo' (absurd).
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the adjective.
Essa situação é ____.
'Situação' is a feminine singular noun, so the adjective must be 'ridícula'.
Match the situation to the most likely reaction.
A company asks you to work 12 hours a day without extra pay.
Unfair labor practices are a classic context for this expression.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Eles cancelaram o voo e não deram hotel.' B: '____! O que vamos fazer?'
'Que ridículo' is a common exclamation for unfair service.
Match the synonym to the context.
Match 'Isso é ridículo' with its closest synonym in a formal context.
'Inadmissível' is a formal way to say something is so ridiculous it cannot be accepted.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
When to say 'Isso é ridículo'
Money
- • High prices
- • Hidden fees
- • Low salaries
Logic
- • Bad arguments
- • Confusing rules
- • Contradictions
Social
- • Cringe behavior
- • Unfair treatment
- • Bad fashion
Practice Bank
5 exercisesO ingresso para o show custa 800 reais!
800 reais is a very high price for a ticket, making it 'ridículo' (absurd).
Essa situação é ____.
'Situação' is a feminine singular noun, so the adjective must be 'ridícula'.
A company asks you to work 12 hours a day without extra pay.
Unfair labor practices are a classic context for this expression.
A: 'Eles cancelaram o voo e não deram hotel.' B: '____! O que vamos fazer?'
'Que ridículo' is a common exclamation for unfair service.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
'Inadmissível' is a formal way to say something is so ridiculous it cannot be accepted.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, but it's an insult. 'Ele é ridículo' means 'He is a joke' or 'He is pathetic'.
It can be. It's very direct. Use it with friends or when complaining to a company, but not to your grandma.
'Ridículo' implies something is so bad it's laughable. 'Absurdo' is more about something being shocking or unacceptable.
You can say 'Isso é tão ridículo!' or 'Isso é ridículo demais!'.
Yes, but they also use 'disparate' or 'parvoíce' very frequently.
Only if it's 'funny-bad'. If it's 'funny-good', use 'engraçado'.
Yes, in Portuguese, all words stressed on the third-to-last syllable (proparoxítonas) must have an accent.
Yes! 'Que ridículo!' is a very common exclamation.
Only in very informal business settings. In a formal meeting, it's too emotional.
In this context, 'razoável' (reasonable) or 'justo' (fair).
Yes, if the movie was so bad it was stupid, you can say 'O filme foi ridículo'.
No, it's a standard adjective, but its frequent use as an exclamation makes it feel very informal.
Related Phrases
Que absurdo
synonymHow absurd
Não faz sentido
similarIt doesn't make sense
Que palhaçada
slangWhat a circus/joke
Inadmissível
formalInadmissible/Unacceptable
Que mico
slangHow embarrassing
