Spanish · C1 · Family moment
Funny Does Not Mean Fair in Spanish
This guide helps parents discuss the boundaries of humor with their children, focusing on the responsibility that comes with sharing content and making jokes. It emphasizes that a joke's quality does not excuse its potential to harm others.
What you'll learn
- Express concession regarding the degree of a quality using 'por muy + adjective' or 'por mucho que'.
- Navigate complex social dynamics involving digital media and peer pressure in Spanish.
- Discuss empathy and accountability in the context of humor and performances.
Spanish phrases for funny does not mean fair
Por muy gracioso que sea el video, compartirlo podría avergonzar al niño que sale en él.
However funny the clip is, sharing it could still embarrass the child in it.
Uses 'por muy + adj + que' to translate 'however funny'.
Por muy ingenioso que hayas escrito el chiste, tu amigo tiene derecho a que no le guste ser el blanco de la broma.
However cleverly you wrote the joke, your friend is allowed to dislike being its subject.
Note the use of 'blanco de la broma' for the subject/target of a joke.
Por muy inofensivo que te parezca el apodo, debemos escuchar si alguien pide que dejes de usarlo.
However harmless the nickname seems to you, we should listen if someone asks you to stop using it.
'Parecer' is used here to denote how something is perceived.
Por muy entusiasta que haya sido la risa del público, eso no nos dice cómo se sintió la persona en el escenario.
However enthusiastically the audience laughed, that does not tell us how the person on stage felt.
Uses the adjective form 'entusiasta' to modify the laughter.
Por muy popular que sea ese creador, no tienes que copiar su forma de tratar a la gente.
However popular that creator is, you do not have to copy the way they treat people.
'Creador' refers to a content creator/influencer.
Por mucho que defiendas tu intención, el efecto en tu amigo sigue siendo importante.
However strongly you defend your intention, the effect on your friend still matters.
'Por mucho que' is used here for verbs (defending strongly).
Por muy incómoda que se sienta una disculpa, puede ser el primer paso para reparar la amistad.
However awkward an apology feels, it can be the first step towards repairing the friendship.
'Incómoda' captures the sense of social awkwardness.
Por muy decepcionado que estés por cambiar el guion, puedes mantener el humor sin tomar a alguien como objetivo.
However disappointed you are about changing the sketch, you can keep the humour without targeting someone.
'Guion' refers to the sketch/script.
Hear these phrases and practise them
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Try it free for 7 daysKey words
Por muy... que
However... (degree)
A scalar concessive structure followed by the subjunctive.
Blanco de la broma
Target/Subject of the joke
Literally 'the target of the joke'.
Escenario
Stage
Used for both physical stages and metaphorical settings.
Avergonzar
To embarrass / To shame
From 'vergüenza' (shame/embarrassment).
Scalar Concessive Clauses (Por muy + Adjective + que)
In Spanish, to express 'however [adjective/adverb] it may be', we use 'Por muy + [adj/adv] + que + [subjunctive]'. This concedes a specific degree of a quality without changing the final conclusion.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| With Adjectives | Por muy + adj + que + subj. | Por muy difícil que sea... |
| With Verbs | Por mucho que + subj. | Por mucho que grites... |
More examples
Por muy tarde que sea, llámame si necesitas ayuda.
However late it is, call me if you need help.
Common everyday usage of the scalar concession.
Por muy talentoso que sea el actor, debe respetar a sus compañeros.
However talented the actor is, he must respect his colleagues.
Applying the concept to professional settings.