농담이에요
nongdam-ieyo
The English phrase "I am joking" is translated into Korean as 농담이에요 (nongdam-ieyo).
This phrase is used to clarify that what you just said was not meant to be taken seriously. To convey the opposite meaning and express that you are being serious, you would say 농담 아니에요 (I'm not joking).
What does it mean word for word?
The word 농담 is a noun meaning 'joke'.
Which one should you use?
While 농담이에요 is a polite and standard way to say "I'm joking", you might also encounter 장난이에요, which can be translated as "It's a prank" or "It's a joke."
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 농담이야 is a casual version used with friends or those younger than you. In the past tense, you can use 농담했어. to say "I was joking."
How do you pronounce it?
nongdam-ieyo
Did you know?
- When someone tells a joke that fails to land, a Korean speaker might respond with 썰렁하다, which literally means 'to be chilly'. This describes the awkward coldness felt in the room after a bad joke.
- In Korean culture, using a joke to soften a direct or blunt statement is a common way to maintain 'nunchi', or social harmony, even when the joke itself is critical.
- In Korean culture, saying 농담이에요 too often in professional settings can be perceived as a lack of sincerity or reliability. It is used much more sparingly in business than 'just kidding' is in English.
Examples in context
- 농담이에요.nongdamieyo.I am joking.
- 그냥 농담이에요.geunyang nongdamieyo.It is just a joke.
- 진심이 아니라 농담이에요.jinsimi anira nongdamieyo.I am joking, not being serious.
Example conversation
Seoyeon tells Hyunwoo a silly joke to lighten the mood.
- 서연 Seo-yeon현우 씨, 오늘 머리 스타일이 너무 웃겨요!Hyeon-u ssi, oneul meori seutairi neomu utgyeoyo!Hyunwoo, your hairstyle today is so funny!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말요? 너무 속상한데요.Jeongmallyo? Neomu soksanghandeyo.Really? That's a bit upsetting.
- 서연 Seo-yeon미안해요, 농담이에요.Mianhaeyo, nongdamieyo.I am sorry, I am joking.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo다행이네요, 깜짝 놀랐어요.Dahaengineyo, kkamjjak nollasseoyo.That's a relief, you startled me.
