Inklingo

How to Say "joke" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “joke” is “chiste” — use 'chiste' when referring to a specific, usually short, funny story or a punchline intended to make someone laugh.

English → Spanish

chiste

CHEE-stayˈt͡ʃiste

nounA1general
Use 'chiste' when referring to a specific, usually short, funny story or a punchline intended to make someone laugh.
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

BRO-mahˈbɾoma

nounA2general
Use 'broma' for a prank, a practical joke, or something said or done playfully that might be misunderstood as serious.
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.

gracia

GRAH-syahˈɡɾa.θja

nounA1general
Use 'gracia' to describe a witty remark, a funny action, or a general sense of humor possessed by a person.
A simple illustration of a cartoon fox wearing a tiny, brightly colored, oversized bowler hat, suggesting amusement.

Examples

El comediante tiene mucha gracia, me hizo reír toda la noche.

The comedian has a lot of humor (or is very funny); he made me laugh all night.

¿Qué te pasa? No le veo la gracia a eso.

What's wrong? I don't see the humor in that.

Finding Humor (Hacer Gracia)

To say you find something funny, Spanish uses the structure 'hacer gracia' (to make humor) which works like 'gustar': 'Me hace gracia' means 'I find it funny'.

Confusing 'Gracia' and 'Diversión'

Mistake: “Using 'diversión' when referring to the quality of being funny.”

Correction: 'Diversión' means 'entertainment' or 'fun' (like an activity). 'Gracia' is the quality of wit or humor itself.

burla

BOOR-lahˈbuɾla

nounB1general
Choose 'burla' when the 'joke' involves teasing, mockery, or making fun of someone or something, often with a negative or sarcastic tone.
A character with a playful, mischievous expression pointing and laughing lightheartedly.

Examples

No me gustan sus burlas sobre mi ropa.

I don't like his jokes about my clothes.

Lo hizo en son de burla.

He did it in a mocking way.

Using the word with 'de'

When you want to say who or what you are making fun of, always use 'de' after the word burla.

Burla vs. Broma

Mistake: “Using 'burla' for a friendly prank.”

Correction: Use 'broma' for friendly jokes. 'Burla' often implies someone's feelings are being hurt or they are being humiliated.

coña

KOH-nyahˈkoɲa

nounB2informal
Use 'coña' informally to indicate that something is said in jest, not meant seriously, or as a way of expressing disbelief or lighthearted sarcasm.
A colorful illustration of two friends laughing together outdoors.

Examples

¿Lo dices en serio o estás de coña?

Are you serious or are you kidding?

No voy a ir a esa fiesta ni de coña.

I am not going to that party, no way.

Fue una coña que nos gastó Juan.

It was a joke that Juan played on us.

Using 'De' with Coña

When you want to say you are joking, you almost always use the little word 'de' before coña, as in 'estar de coña'.

Too much 'Coña' in formal settings

Mistake: “Using 'coña' in a job interview.”

Correction: Use 'broma' instead. 'Coña' is very informal and can sound slightly rude or too relaxed in serious situations.

Chiste vs. Broma: The Core Confusion

Learners often confuse 'chiste' and 'broma'. Remember that 'chiste' is typically a prepared funny story or punchline, while 'broma' refers more to a playful action or a remark intended as a prank or lighthearted tease.

Related Translations

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