笑话 — meaning in English: joke

xiàohuà · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for joke

冗余

rǒng yú

同事

tóngshì

本书

běn shū

坡

pō

笑话

xiàohuà

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informal very common

Usage

Native speakers often use 笑话 (xiàohuà) in casual conversations among friends or family during social gatherings, especially when sharing funny stories or light-hearted banter. It can also be heard in comedy clubs or entertainment shows where humor plays a central role.

Synonyms & nuances

While 笑话 (xiàohuà) directly means 'joke', a similar word is 冷笑话 (lěng xiàohuà), which translates to 'cold joke' or 'dad joke'. The latter implies a type of humor that is often perceived as cheesy or not funny, making 笑话 (xiàohuà) the more versatile choice when simply wanting to share any kind of joke.

Culture

The word 笑话 (xiàohuà) has roots that convey the essence of laughter and storytelling, highlighting the importance of humor in Chinese culture. Historically, jokes have been a means of bonding and social commentary, with many traditional stories featuring clever humor that reflects societal truths.

FAQ

Q.What does 笑话 mean in English?

笑话 (xiàohuà) translates to 'joke' in English, referring to something said or done to provoke laughter.

Q.How do you use 笑话 in a sentence?

You can use 笑话 in a sentence like: '我讲了一个笑话' (Wǒ jiǎngle yīgè xiàohuà), which means 'I told a joke'.

Q.Are there different types of 笑话?

Yes, 笑话 can vary in style, from puns to anecdotes. Understanding the context and audience helps in choosing the right type of 笑话 to share.

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