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Spanish Phrase

Es una comedia desternillante.

/es ˈu.na koˈme.ðja ðes.ter.niˈʎan.te/
Meaning"It's a hilarious comedy."
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Meaning

This phrase is used to describe a comedy that is extremely funny, so much so that it makes you laugh uncontrollably. The adjective 'desternillante' comes from 'desternillarse de risa,' which literally means 'to break one's breastbone from laughing,' conveying an intense level of humor.

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When to use

You would typically use this phrase when recommending a movie, play, or TV show that you found exceptionally funny. It's perfect for expressing strong enthusiasm about a comedic experience that left you in stitches.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Esunacomediadesternillante

1

Es (Ser)

'Es' is the third-person singular form of the verb 'ser' (to be). It's used here to describe an inherent quality or characteristic of the comedy, rather than a temporary state.

2

una

'Una' is the feminine indefinite article, meaning 'a' or 'an.' It agrees in gender with the noun 'comedia' that follows it.

3

comedia

'Comedia' is a feminine noun meaning 'comedy.' In Spanish, adjectives typically follow the noun they describe.

4

desternillante

'Desternillante' is an adjective meaning 'hilarious' or 'side-splitting.' It's derived from the verb 'desternillarse,' which means 'to split one's sides laughing.' It's an invariable adjective, meaning its form doesn't change for gender or number.

🗨In Conversation

A

¿Qué tal la película que viste anoche?

How was the movie you watched last night?

¡Genial! Es una comedia desternillante, no paré de reír.

Great! It's a hilarious comedy, I couldn't stop laughing.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Es una comedia muy divertida.

    While 'muy divertida' is correct, it doesn't convey the same level of extreme hilarity as 'desternillante.' Use 'desternillante' when you want to emphasize that something is exceptionally funny.

  • Es un comedia desternillante.

    The noun 'comedia' is feminine, so it requires the feminine indefinite article 'una' instead of 'un'.

↔Alternatives

  • Es muy divertida.

    It's very funny.

  • Me reí muchísimo.

    I laughed a lot.

  • Es para morirse de risa.

    It's to die of laughter.

es

Cultural Tip

Spanish speakers often use hyperbole to express strong emotions, and 'desternillante' is a great example of this. It's a vivid and expressive way to describe something truly hilarious, much stronger than simply 'very funny.' Using such expressive adjectives can make your Spanish sound more natural and engaging.