Inklingo

How to Say "teasing" in Spanish

English → Spanish

bromas

BROH-mahs/'bɾo.mas/

nounA1informal
Use 'bromas' when referring to jokes or lighthearted pranks as a general concept or when the teasing is plural and refers to specific instances of playful provocation.
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'.

bromeando

/broh-me-AHN-doh//bɾo.meˈan.do/

gerundA2informal
Use 'bromeando' when describing the action of teasing as it is happening in the present moment, equivalent to 'joking' or 'kidding' in English.
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/

nounB1
Use 'bromeo' to refer to the general atmosphere or activity of playful teasing, often in a slightly more abstract or collective sense than 'bromas'.
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.

Bromas vs. Bromeando

The most common mistake is using the noun 'bromas' (jokes) when you mean the ongoing action 'bromeando' (joking). Remember, 'bromeando' describes the act of teasing as it's happening, while 'bromas' refers to the jokes themselves.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.