Translation guide
Describes a loud, collective burst of laughter, often sudden and explosive. In Japanese, this is typically expressed with onomatopoeic adverbs or descriptive phrases rather than a single noun.
To describe a sudden, loud burst of laughter from multiple people, like an audience or crowd.
The adverb どっと mimics a sudden, simultaneous outburst, often used for laughter, cheers, or boos. Combined with 笑う (to laugh), it's the most natural way to describe a roar of laughter.
彼の冗談に観客がどっと笑った。
The audience roared with laughter at his joke.
A compound meaning 'explosive laughter.' It can be used as a noun (爆笑) or verb (爆笑する). Often implies uncontrollable, loud laughter.
会場は爆笑に包まれた。
The venue was filled with roars of laughter.
Literally 'big laugh.' A general term for hearty laughter, but can be used for a group's loud laughter when context implies a collective reaction.
その話を聞いて、みんなが大笑いした。
Hearing that story, everyone roared with laughter.
To describe one person laughing very loudly, like a roar.
Simply 'to laugh in a loud voice.' Clear and straightforward for a single person's loud laugh.
彼は突然大声で笑った。
He suddenly let out a roar of laughter.
A loud, often high-pitched laugh, sometimes with a nuance of arrogance or scorn. Can be used for a roaring laugh if it's piercing.
悪役は高笑いしながら去っていった。
The villain left with a roar of laughter.
To mimic the sound of roaring laughter in writing or speech.
Onomatopoeia for loud, unrestrained laughter, often used for a group or a single person laughing heartily.
彼らはげらげら笑い転げた。
They rolled around roaring with laughter.
A common laughter sound effect, but can represent a roar when repeated or used in context of loud laughter.
The English phrase 'roar of laughter' is a metaphor. Direct translations like 笑いの轟音 (わらいのごうおん) are unnatural and not used in Japanese. Stick to the adverbial expressions or onomatopoeia above.
"Ahahaha!" he roared with laughter.