Inklingo

How to Say "kidding" in Spanish

English → Spanish

bromeando

/broh-me-AHN-doh//bɾo.meˈan.do/

GerundA2Informal
Use this when you are actively in the process of joking or not being serious at this moment, often as part of a larger sentence.
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'.

bromas

BROH-mahs/'bɾo.mas/

NounA1Informal
Use this when referring to jokes or lighthearted teasing as a general concept or plural instances of teasing.
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'.

coña

NounB2Very Informal
Use this, typically in Spain, to refer to the act or state of jesting or making fun, often in a more colloquial or emphatic way than 'bromas'.

Examples

¿Lo dices en serio o estás de coña?

Are you serious or are you kidding?

Gerund vs. Noun for 'Kidding'

The most common mistake is using the noun 'bromas' or 'coña' when you mean the action of 'kidding' right now. Remember, 'bromeando' is the gerund (like '-ing' in English) and describes the ongoing action of joking.

Related Translations

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