Definition
To laugh; to make sounds and facial expressions that show you find something funny or that you feel happy.
Example
Los niños reían juntos en el parque.
Show translation
The children laughed together in the park.
Etymology
From Latin *ridēre* ("to laugh"), which also gives English "ridicule" and "risible." The Latin root is shared across Romance languages: French *rire*, Italian *ridere*, Portuguese *rir*.
Cultural note
Laughter is deeply woven into Spanish social culture. The verb *reírse de* (to laugh **at** something/someone) is worth distinguishing from simply *reír* — using *de* can imply mockery, so context matters. In Spain and Latin America, a good sense of humor (*sentido del humor*) is a highly valued social trait, and shared laughter is considered a sign of trust and closeness.