Inklingo

How to Say "prank" in Spanish

English → Spanish

broma

BRO-mahˈbɾoma

nounA2general
Use 'broma' for a general, lighthearted joke or jest that is meant to be funny and harmless.
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.

travesura

tra-ve-SOO-rahtɾaβeˈsuɾa

nounB1general
Choose 'travesura' for a mischievous or naughty trick, often associated with children or pets, implying a bit of playful misbehavior.
A playful kitten sitting next to a knocked-over ball of yarn with strands tangled across the floor.

Examples

El perro hizo una travesura y rompió mis zapatos.

The dog made some mischief and chewed up my shoes.

Los niños siempre están planeando alguna travesura.

The children are always planning some prank.

Fue solo una pequeña travesura, no te enfades.

It was just a little prank, don't get angry.

Always 'Hacer'

In Spanish, you don't 'play' a prank or 'perform' mischief. You always use the verb 'hacer' (to do/make) with 'travesura'.

Feminine Noun

This word is feminine because it ends in '-a'. Always use 'la' or 'una' before it.

Travesura vs. Maldad

Mistake: “Ese niño tiene mucha maldad.”

Correction: Ese niño hace muchas travesuras.

cargada

kar-GAH-dahkaɾˈɡaða

nounB2informal
Use 'cargada' for a practical joke or teasing that might be slightly more involved or aimed at playfully annoying someone.
A colorful gift box that pops open to reveal a spring-loaded toy snake.

Examples

No te enojes, fue solo una cargada.

Don't get mad, it was just a prank/joke.

Using 'una' with cargada

When used as a noun meaning a joke, always include 'una' or 'la' before it.

Broma vs. Cargada

Learners often confuse 'broma' and 'cargada.' While both can mean prank, 'broma' is a general, often lighter joke, whereas 'cargada' implies a more specific practical joke or teasing, often with a playful but potentially annoying edge.

Related Translations

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