Japanese meaning of 抱腹絶倒

Reading:
ほうふくぜっとう (houfuku zettou)

English Translation:

Rolling on the floor laughing

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:


To laugh so hard your stomach hurts and you collapse.

Cultural Context:


Popular in comedic contexts, often used in reviews or ads for entertainment in Japan.

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

• Verb phrase with “で笑う” or “にさせる” to describe making someone laugh uncontrollably (“抱腹絶倒させる”).
• Often used in reviews of comedies, movies, or performances.

Trap for English Speakers

Might be interpreted as mild amusement, but it implies extreme, physical laughter.

Example

Basic Example

彼の冗談に抱腹絶倒した。

I doubled over laughing at his joke.


Applied Example

抱腹絶倒の漫才に、観客は涙を流して笑った。

The hilarious comedy act had the audience laughing to tears.