I was kidding
Use this to say 'It was a joke.' It focuses on the statement itself being a joke, rather than the action of joking.
A common alternative for 'I was just kidding.' The 'solo' (just/only) softens the phrase.
Means 'It's not serious.' A simple way to tell someone not to take your comment seriously.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'I'm pulling your leg.' It's very common and friendly.
I didn't sell your car! Relax, I was kidding.
Did you really believe that? It was a joke!
Of course I'm not moving to China. I was just kidding.
Don't get mad, it's not serious. It's just to laugh a little.
'Estaba bromeando' and 'Era una broma' are universally understood and are the safest options in any country.
Informally, you might hear 'Estaba cotorreando,' which means something like 'I was just chatting/joking around.'
It's very common to say 'Estaba de broma.' The meaning is identical to 'Estaba bromeando.'
Besides the standard phrases, 'Estaba molestando' is common. In very informal contexts, friends might say 'Te estoy mamando gallo,' which is similar to 'I'm pulling your leg.'
Informally, 'Era en joda' is extremely common. The verb 'joder' is also used ('Te estaba jodiendo'), but be aware that it can be a strong swear word in other countries.
Using 'chiste' instead of 'broma'. For example, saying 'Era un chiste'. — A 'chiste' is a pre-structured joke you tell (e.g., a knock-knock joke). A 'broma' is a prank or a kidding statement. When you say something that isn't true to tease someone, it's a 'broma'.
Using the wrong past tense, like 'Estuve bromeando'. — Use the imperfect tense 'Estaba bromeando' to describe the ongoing action of kidding. The preterite 'estuve' implies a completed action with a clear start and end, which sounds less natural in this context.
Translating 'kidding' literally, like 'estaba niñeando'. — 'Kidding' in English doesn't translate directly. 'Niño' means child, but 'niñear' isn't a word for joking. Stick to phrases with 'broma' or idioms like 'tomar el pelo'.
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