How to Say "Just Kidding" in Spanish

es broma

/es bɾoma/from spelling rules

In Spanish, "just kidding" is expressed as es broma.

The phrase es broma is used to signal that you were not being serious, typically immediately after saying something untrue or provocative. In spoken Spanish, it is most natural to use an exclamatory tone or add exclamation marks to convey this meaning.

Meaning: I wasn’t serious, it was only a joke (intj)

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase es broma literally translates to "it is a joke".

Is it said differently in some regions?

In certain regions such as Argentina or Uruguay, the expression Naah, es pura joda may be used.

How does it change in a sentence?

Note the distinction between the phrase and the speaker's action: while es broma refers to the situation (it is a joke), the phrase estoy bromeando refers specifically to the speaker's action (I am joking).

How do you pronounce it?

/es bɾoma/

Did you know?

The same ancient Greek word that likely gave us broma could also refer to a 'shipworm', a type of marine creature.
The term joda used in the Southern Cone can be risky because its slang connotation is much heavier than the neutral broma.

Examples in context

¡Es broma!
Just kidding!
This example shows how to use es broma as an exclamation.
Tatoeba #11773303 by Masatami, translation #3760611 by Wuzzy
Creo que he olvidado mi informe en casa… ¡disculpe, fue una broma!
I think I left my report at home… sorry, it was a joke!
Nunca podría reemplazarte en este proyecto, solo estaba bromeando.
I could never replace you in this project, I was just joking.
No deberías preocuparte, no lo digo en serio.
You shouldn't worry, I'm not being serious.
No te enfades, estaba de cachondeo.
Don't get mad, I was just kidding.
No te vayas, era una broma, ¡hombre!
Don't leave, it was a joke, man!

Example conversation

Javier tells Elena something surprising to see her reaction.

Javier

Elena, creo que he perdido las llaves.
Elena, I think I lost the keys.
Elena

¿Qué? ¡No me digas eso, Javier!
What? Don't tell me that, Javier!
Javier

Tranquila, es broma.
Relax, I'm just kidding.
Elena

¡Qué susto me has dado!
You gave me such a scare!

Sources

IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
Word origins: Wiktionary entries broma, es, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.

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How to Say “Just Kidding” in Spanish