estoy bromeando
/estoi bɾomeando/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "I am joking" is translated as estoy bromeando.
The phrase estoy bromeando is used to tell someone that what you just said was not serious and was meant as a joke. Other ways to express this include es broma, which labels the statement itself as a joke and bromeo, a simple present form that can also mean "I am joking" in certain contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb estar (to be in a temporary state) and the gerund bromeando (joking).
Which one should you use?
While estoy bromeando focuses on the speaker's current action of joking, the alternative es broma is commonly used to label the statement itself as a joke.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Latin American countries, the informal regional variation ¡Oye, amigo, todo eso que acabo de decir es pura paja! can be used to mean "Hey, buddy, everything I just said is pure nonsense!" In Spain, the informal expression estoy de cachondeo is a popular way to say "I'm kidding around".
Did you know?
- In some regions, the expression tomar el pelo is used instead of bromeando, which literally means 'to take the hair' of someone.
- In Colombia and other parts of Latin America, using pura paja to say you are joking literally translates to 'pure straw'.
- In Mexico, you might hear someone say ¡Es puro cuento! to mean 'I am joking' or 'It is a lie', treating the joke as if it were a fictional story or a tall tale.
Examples in context
- Estoy bromeando.I am joking.This sentence is useful for expressing that you are joking.Tatoeba #1201105 by alexmarcelo, translation #1661149 by Amastan
- Estoy bromeando, no te lo tomes en serio.I am joking, don't take it seriously.
- Lo digo en broma, no quería ofenderte.I'm saying it as a joke, I didn't mean to offend you.
- Es broma, no te preocupes, todo está bien.I am joking, don't worry, everything is fine.
- Estoy de cachondeo, no te lo creas.I'm kidding around, don't believe it.
- No te enfades, estoy bromeando.Don't get angry, I am joking.
- ¡No es verdad! Estoy bromeando.It's not true! I am joking.
Example conversation
Javier tells María a fake piece of news to tease her.
- JavierMaría, ¡he perdido tus llaves!María, I lost your keys!
- María¿Qué dices? ¡No puede ser!What are you saying? It can't be!
- JavierTranquila, estoy bromeando.Relax, I am joking.
- María¡Javier, no seas pesado!Javier, don't be annoying!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
