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How to Say "you joke" in Spanish

English → Spanish

bromeas

/broh-MAY-ahs//bɾoˈmeas/

VerbA2Informal
Use 'bromeas' when directly asking someone if they are kidding or joking with you in an informal, everyday context.
A cartoon illustration showing one person laughing heartily while another person smiles mischievously, indicating they just told a joke.

Examples

¿Me bromeas? ¡No puedo creer que ganaste la lotería!

Are you kidding me? I can't believe you won the lottery!

Siempre bromeas sobre mi pelo, pero sé que lo dices con cariño.

You always joke about my hair, but I know you say it affectionately.

Si bromeas tanto, nadie te tomará en serio.

If you joke so much, no one will take you seriously.

Regular -AR Verb

The verb 'bromear' follows the simplest pattern for Spanish verbs. Once you know the standard -AR endings, conjugating this word is very straightforward in all tenses.

Confusing Formality

Mistake: “Using 'bromea' (the usted form) when speaking directly to a close friend.”

Correction: Use 'bromeas' (the 'tú' form) for informal conversations. 'Bromea' is reserved for formal situations (like speaking to a boss) or for talking about a third person ('He/She jokes').

bromas

BROH-mahs/'bɾo.mas/

VerbB1Informal
Use 'bromas' (as the second-person singular present tense of 'bromear') when you are questioning if someone's statement is a joke, often implying a bit more surprise or disbelief than a simple 'bromeas'.
A simple cartoon figure leaning close to another figure, covering their mouth with their hand, and whispering a playful secret while the second figure smiles mischievously.

Examples

¿Tú bromas? Pensé que lo decías en serio.

Are you joking? I thought you meant it seriously.

Si me bromas, te ignoro.

If you tease me, I ignore you.

Regular -AR Verb

The verb 'bromar' follows the standard pattern for all verbs ending in -ar, making its conjugations very predictable and easy to learn.

Informal vs. Slightly More Formal Verb Forms

Learners often confuse 'bromeas' and 'bromas' because both relate to joking. Remember that 'bromeas' is the more common, informal way to ask 'Are you kidding me?' while 'bromas' can sound slightly more formal or surprised, though still informal.

Related Translations

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