Inklingo

How to Say "jokes" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “jokes” is “bromas” — use 'bromas' when referring to lighthearted teasing, pranks, or playful jokes that involve actions or playful remarks not necessarily in the form of a story..

English → Spanish

bromas

BROH-mahs/'bɾo.mas/

nounA1informal
Use 'bromas' when referring to lighthearted teasing, pranks, or playful jokes that involve actions or playful remarks not necessarily in the form of a story.
Two simple cartoon figures, a woman and a man, sitting on a park bench, laughing uncontrollably and pointing at something unseen, symbolizing shared jokes.

Examples

No te enfades, son solo bromas.

Don't get angry, they are just jokes/kidding.

Me gusta gastar bromas a mis amigos.

I like playing jokes on my friends.

Dejemos las bromas y hablemos en serio.

Let's stop the joking and talk seriously.

Always Feminine

The singular form is 'la broma' (feminine), so when you use the plural 'bromas', you must use feminine words with it, like 'las bromas' or 'unas bromas'.

Using the wrong verb

Mistake: “Hacer bromas.”

Correction: Gastar bromas. While 'hacer' (to make/do) is sometimes heard, the most natural and common way to say 'to play a joke' is using the verb 'gastar' (to spend/use): 'gastar una broma'.

chistes

CHEE-stehsˈtʃis.tes

nounA1
Use 'chistes' when referring to specific, often short, funny stories or remarks that have a setup and a punchline.
A brightly colored storybook illustration showing two friendly cartoon characters. One character is gesturing excitedly as if telling a story, and the other character is laughing heartily.

Examples

Mi abuelo siempre cuenta los mismos chistes viejos.

My grandfather always tells the same old jokes.

¿Conoces algunos chistes buenos para romper el hielo?

Do you know any good jokes to break the ice?

Todos se rieron mucho con sus chistes.

Everyone laughed a lot at his jokes.

Masculine Plural

'Chistes' is the plural form of the masculine noun 'chiste' (joke). Remember to use masculine plural words with it, like 'los' (the) or 'algunos' (some).

Using 'Contar'

When you are reciting a full joke (telling a story with a punchline), the correct verb is 'contar' (to count/to tell): 'Voy a contar unos chistes'.

Using the wrong verb for telling

Mistake: “Voy a decir chistes.”

Correction: Voy a contar chistes. (Use 'contar' for reciting jokes, not 'decir' [to say].)

Bromas vs. Chistes

The most common mistake is using 'chistes' for playful teasing or pranks. Remember, 'chistes' are typically structured narratives or punchlines, while 'bromas' encompass broader forms of playful humor like teasing or practical jokes.

Related Translations

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