solo estaba bromeando
/solo estaba bɾomeando/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "i was just kidding" is solo estaba bromeando.
You use this phrase to clarify that something you previously said was a joke and should not be taken seriously. You can also use the phrase era una broma to say "it was a joke!"
What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase solo estaba bromeando, solo means "only" or "just", estaba is the imperfect past of "to be" and bromeando is the gerund of "to joke".
Is it said differently in some regions?
Different Spanish-speaking regions have specific ways to say this: • In Spain, you can say Estaba de cachondeo. • In Mexico, you can use Estaba bromeando or Nada más estaba jugando. • In Colombia, you can say Era una joda. • In Chile, you can say Estaba webeando.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase solo estaba bromeando uses the imperfect tense estaba to describe a continuous state or action in the past.
How do you pronounce it?
/solo estaba bɾomeando/
Did you know?
- The word cachondeo used in Spain can mean 'kidding' but in other contexts it refers to sexual flirtation or arousal.
- In Chile, the phrase Estaba webeando is highly informal and derives from the word weón, which can be a friendly term or a harsh insult.
- In many Latin American countries, you might say estaba jugando to mean 'I was kidding', even though jugando literally means 'playing'.
Examples in context
- Mis disculpas, estaba bromeandoMy apologies, I was joking.
- No te enfades, solo estaba bromeando.Don't get angry, I was just kidding.
- ¡Es una broma!, solo estaba bromeando contigo.It's a joke, I was just kidding with you.
- Perdón, solo estaba bromeando sobre tu coche.Sorry, I was just kidding about your car.
Example conversation
Mateo looks upset after María makes a joke about his haircut.
- María¡No te pongas serio, solo estaba bromeando!Don't be serious, I was just kidding!
- MateoMe pareció que hablabas en serio.I thought you were being serious.
- MaríaPara nada, te ves muy bien.Not at all, you look very good.
- MateoEstá bien, me habías asustado.Okay, you had scared me.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
