Spanish Conversation · Level 12
90 words
Spanish word
risita
Pronunciation
IPA/riˈsita/
Meaning
- feminine noungiggle
Example
Al escuchar el chiste, ella soltó una risita.
When she heard the joke, she let out a giggle.
More examples
Durante la reunión, intentó contener la risita.
During the meeting, she tried to hold back the giggle.
Core concept
Brief, suppressed laugh that signals mild amusement or complicity.
Common phrases
soltar una risita
let out a giggle
contener la risita
hold back the giggle
una risita nerviosa
a nervous giggle
Similar words
risa: Audible laugh or chuckle expressing general amusement.
sonrisa: Soundless curve of the mouth showing mild pleasure or quiet warmth.
carcajada: Loud, explosive laugh erupting with intense amusement.
risotada: Sustained, hearty burst of loud laughter often in rapid succession.
Definition in Spanish
Sonido corto o gesto de risa que indica diversión leve, timidez o complicidad.
Word origin
From risa 'laughter' plus the diminutive suffix -ita; risa ultimately comes from Latin risus, so risita denotes a small or restrained laugh.
Usage tips
- Common among friends to mark a private joke, a coy reaction, or shared understanding, and generally avoided in formal or serious speech.