One describes something enjoyable, the other describes something that makes you laugh.
Adjective or noun. Describes something enjoyable, pleasant, or entertaining. Does not imply laughter.
The party was so much fun!
¡La fiesta fue muy divertida!
Surfing is really fun.
Surfear es realmente divertido.
We had a lot of fun at the beach.
Nos divertimos mucho en la playa.
Adjective. Describes something that makes you laugh or seems comical or humorous.
That joke was really funny.
Ese chiste fue muy gracioso.
He is the funniest person I know.
Él es la persona más graciosa que conozco.
I found the movie funny, but my sister did not.
Yo encontré la película graciosa, pero mi hermana no.
Common mistake
Using 'funny' to mean enjoyable or entertaining. Wrong: "The concert was very funny." (if you mean enjoyable, correct: The concert was very fun.)
Trick to remember it
'Fun' = enjoyment without laughter (a party, a game, a hobby). 'Funny' = something that makes you laugh (a joke, a comedian, a comedy film).
Quick rule
Did you enjoy it and have a good time? Use 'fun'. Did it make you laugh? Use 'funny'.
Did you know?
'Funny' has two meanings: 'comical' and 'strange/odd'. 'That's funny' can mean 'how amusing' or 'how strange'. Context makes it clear. 'A funny smell' means a strange smell, not an amusing one.
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
The camping trip was so much ____!
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
That comedian is so ____. He makes everyone laugh.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Did you enjoy it and have a good time? Use 'fun'. Did it make you laugh? Use 'funny'.
Using 'funny' to mean enjoyable or entertaining. Wrong: "The concert was very funny." (if you mean enjoyable, correct: The concert was very fun.)
'Fun' = enjoyment without laughter (a party, a game, a hobby). 'Funny' = something that makes you laugh (a joke, a comedian, a comedy film).
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy