Inklingo

How to Say "jest" in Spanish

English → Spanish

broma

/BRO-mah//ˈbɾoma/

nounA2informal
Use 'broma' for everyday jokes, pranks, or lighthearted teasing that is said or done for amusement. It's the most common and versatile term.
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.

Examples

Solo era una broma, no te enfades.

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

Le gastamos una broma a nuestro profesor por su cumpleaños.

We played a prank on our teacher for his birthday.

¿Lo dices en serio o es una broma?

Are you serious or is it a joke?

Always Feminine: 'la broma'

'Broma' is a feminine word, so you always use feminine words like 'la', 'una', 'esta', or 'mucha' with it. For example, 'una broma buena' (a good joke).

'Broma' vs. 'Chiste'

Mistake: “Quiero decirte una broma.”

Correction: Quiero contarte un chiste. A 'chiste' is a structured joke you tell, like a 'knock-knock' joke. A 'broma' is more general and can be a situation, a comment, or a prank.

chiste

/CHEE-stay//ˈt͡ʃiste/

nounA1
Use 'chiste' when referring to a joke in a more formal or literary context, often implying a structured joke with a punchline, like one told at a gathering.
A simple storybook illustration showing two friendly characters. One is animatedly telling a story using wide hand gestures, while the other character is bent over, laughing heartily.

Examples

Mi tío siempre cuenta el mismo chiste en Navidad.

My uncle always tells the same joke at Christmas.

¿Entendiste el chiste? Necesitas un buen sentido del humor.

Did you get the joke? You need a good sense of humor.

No pude parar de reír con ese chiste tan bueno.

I couldn't stop laughing at that great joke.

Gender Alert

Even though 'chiste' ends in -e, it is a masculine word. Always use 'el chiste' or 'un chiste'.

Telling vs. Saying

Mistake: “Decir un chiste.”

Correction: Contar un chiste. In Spanish, you 'count' or 'tell' a joke, you don't 'say' it.

Broma vs. Chiste

Learners often confuse 'broma' and 'chiste' because both mean 'joke.' Remember that 'broma' is for general joking or pranks, while 'chiste' is typically for a structured joke or a punchline, often in a more formal setting.

Related Translations

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