fue una broma
/fwe una bɾoma/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'it was a prank' is translated into Spanish as fue una broma.
This phrase is used to explain that a previous action was a practical joke and not meant to be serious.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of fue (it was), una (a) and broma (joke/prank).
Which one should you use?
While fue una broma describes the event as a completed action, era una broma can be used to describe the ongoing state or nature of the situation in the past. Additionally, using the diminutive bromita can make the explanation sound more lighthearted or less confrontational.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, Fue una joda is a colloquial way to say "it was a prank" and Fue joda is a colloquial way to say "it was a prank". In Spain, Era una inocentada can be used to mean "it was an innocent prank".
Did you know?
- In Spain, the term inocentada specifically links pranks to April Fools' Day, which is known as El Día de los Inocentes on December 28.
- The word broma shares a root with the Byzantine Greek word for 'food' or 'shipworm', though how a snack became a practical joke is still a mystery to linguists.
- The colloquial term joda comes from the verb joder, which in many Spanish-speaking countries is a strong swear word.
Examples in context
- En la reunión de ayer, cometimos un error. Sin embargo, quiero aclarar que fue una broma sin mala intención. Por favor, disculpen el malentendido.In yesterday's meeting, we made a mistake, however, I want to clarify that it was a harmless prank. Please, excuse the misunderstanding.
- No te preocupes, hermano, era solo una broma. No quería ofenderte de ninguna manera.Don't worry, bro, it was just a prank. I didn't mean to offend you in any way.
- No te enfades, fue una broma.Don't get angry, it was a prank.
- No te enojes, fue una broma.Don't be angry, it was a prank.
- Lo siento, fue una broma de mal gusto.I'm sorry, it was a bad joke.
- Todo lo que pasó fue una broma.Everything that happened was a prank.
Example conversation
Daniel is upset because María hid his car keys.
- María¡Daniel, no estés enojado conmigo!Daniel, don't be mad at me!
- Daniel¿Por qué escondiste mis llaves?Why did you hide my keys?
- MaríaLo siento, fue una broma.I'm sorry, it was a prank.
- DanielNo tiene gracia.It's not funny.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries broma, una, CC BY-SA 4.0.
