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broma

BRO-mah/ˈbɾoma/

“broma” means “joke” in Spanish (something said or done to be funny).

joke

Also: prank, jest
NounfA2
A colorful storybook illustration showing two cartoon characters, one covering their mouth trying not to laugh, and the other character smiling widely after having played a playful trick.

📝 In Action

Solo era una broma, no te enfades.

A2

It was just a joke, don't get angry.

Le gastamos una broma a nuestro profesor por su cumpleaños.

B1

We played a prank on our teacher for his birthday.

¿Lo dices en serio o es una broma?

A2

Are you serious or is it a joke?

Tiene un gran sentido del humor y siempre está de broma.

B1

He has a great sense of humor and is always joking.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • chiste (joke (a told story))
  • guasa (jest, kidding (informal))
  • chanza (jest, banter)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • gastar una broma – to play a prank/joke
  • tomar algo a broma – to take something as a joke
  • estar de broma – to be joking/kidding
  • aguantar una broma – to take a joke

Idioms & Expressions

  • broma pesada – a mean or unpleasant prank
  • ¡Ni en broma! – No way! / You must be kidding!
  • Fuera de bromas... – Joking aside... / All kidding aside...

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "broma" in Spanish:

jest→joke→prank→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: broma

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'broma' most naturally?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
bromear(to joke, to kid) — Verb
bromista(joker, prankster) — Noun / Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Greek word 'brôma' (βρῶμα), which meant 'food'. It came to be associated with the food of shipworms, which would bore into the wood of ships, making them heavy and slow. This idea of a 'heavy, annoying thing' eventually softened into its modern meaning of a 'jest' or 'prank'.

First recorded: 17th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: brumaFrench: brome

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between 'broma' and 'chiste'?

Think of a 'chiste' as a joke you tell, with a setup and a punchline. A 'broma' is much broader. It can be a playful comment, a situation that's funny, or a physical prank you play on someone. You 'tell' (contar) a 'chiste', but you 'play' (gastar) a 'broma'.

How do I say someone can't take a joke?

You can say 'No aguanta las bromas' or 'No sabe aguantar una broma'. It literally means 'He/she can't withstand jokes'.