estaba bromeando
/estaba bɾomeando/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "I was kidding" is translated as estaba bromeando.
The phrase estaba bromeando is the most common way to express that a previous statement was a joke and not true.
What does it mean word for word?
This phrase is composed of the imperfect indicative of estar (to be) and the gerund of bromear (to joke).
Which one should you use?
While estaba bromeando uses the imperfect tense to describe a continuous state in the past, the form bromé (I joked) represents a completed action and is less common for this specific idiomatic usage.
How do you pronounce it?
/estaba bɾomeando/
Did you know?
- While estaba bromeando describes your state of being, you can also say te estaba tomando el pelo to say 'I was kidding', which literally translates to 'I was pulling your hair'.
- In Mexico, people often use the phrase estaba jugando to say they were kidding. While jugar usually means 'to play' a game or sport, in this context it functions exactly like 'just kidding'.
- While estaba bromeando is standard, some regions use the word vacilar to describe teasing someone. If someone says te estaba vacilando, they are admitting they were messing with you or trying to fool you.
Examples in context
- Jajaja, era solo una broma. El regalo real está escondido.Hahaha, it was just a joke. The real gift is hidden.
- No te creas, estaba bromeando.Don't believe it, I was kidding.
- Lo siento, solo estaba bromeando.I'm sorry, I was only kidding.
- No te enojes, estaba bromeando.Don't get angry, I was kidding.
Example conversation
Alejandro thinks María is actually moving to another city.
- MaríaMe voy a vivir a otro país.I am moving to another country.
- Alejandro¿De verdad? ¡No puede ser!Really? It can't be!
- María¡Tranquilo, Alejandro! Estaba bromeando.Calm down, Alejandro! I was kidding.
- Alejandro¡Qué susto me diste, María!You scared me, María!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
