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How to Say "joking" in Spanish

English → Spanish

bromeando

/broh-me-AHN-doh//bɾo.meˈan.do/

Verb Form (Gerund)A2Informal
Use this when you want to describe the action of telling jokes or jesting as it is happening right now.
A colorful storybook illustration showing two characters. One character is making a silly, exaggerated face and gesturing emphatically, clearly telling a joke, while the second character is doubled over in hearty laughter.

Examples

¿Estás bromeando o lo dices en serio?

Are you joking or are you saying it seriously?

Estuvimos bromeando toda la tarde sobre el examen.

We were kidding around all afternoon about the exam.

Ella dijo la noticia bromeando, pero creo que era verdad.

She said the news jokingly, but I think it was true.

Forming Continuous Actions

Use 'bromeando' with a form of the verb 'estar' (to be) to show the action is currently in progress, like 'Estoy bromeando' (I am joking).

Describing How

This word can act like an adverb, describing how an action was done: 'Salió corriendo y cantando' (He left running and singing).

Mixing up the Base Verb

Mistake: “Using 'jocando' (from English 'joke').”

Correction: The correct verb is 'bromear', giving us 'bromeando'. Use 'bromear' instead of trying to invent a Spanish equivalent of the English verb 'to joke'.

bromeo

/bro-MEH-o//bɾoˈmeo/

NounB1Informal
Use this to refer to the general act or atmosphere of making jokes, often as a concept rather than a specific instance.
Two friends sitting closely together, sharing a moment of intense laughter and amusement.

Examples

El bromeo entre los compañeros de trabajo hace el día más ligero.

The joking among the coworkers makes the day lighter.

No soporto el bromeo pesado y constante.

I can't stand heavy and constant teasing.

The 'El' Connection

As a masculine noun, 'bromeo' is always used with 'el' (the) or masculine adjectives. It refers to the abstract activity, not a single joke.

jugando

/hoo-GAHN-doh//xuˈɣan.do/

Verb Form (Gerund)B2Informal
Choose this when 'joking' implies not being serious, often in a way that might be hurtful or manipulative, like playing with someone's emotions.
A small child wearing an oversized, floppy hat, giggling while attempting to juggle three brightly colored, mismatched toys, depicting silliness.

Examples

Estás jugando con mis sentimientos, ¿no?

You're messing around with my feelings, aren't you?

¡Deja de estar jugando y concéntrate en tu trabajo!

Stop messing around and concentrate on your work!

Figurative Use

In this sense, 'jugando' is often followed by 'con' (with) when the speaker feels the other person is treating a serious matter as a game.

Bromeando vs. Jugando

Learners often confuse 'bromeando' and 'jugando' when 'joking' implies a lack of seriousness. Remember, 'bromeando' is lighthearted jesting, while 'jugando' suggests playing with someone's feelings or being insincere, often with negative undertones.

Related Translations

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