Translation guide
The English word "jest" refers to a playful or humorous remark, often made in a lighthearted or mocking way. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; instead, different words and phrases are used depending on whether you mean a joke, a witty remark, or speaking in jest.
To refer to a funny story, one-liner, or playful comment meant to amuse.
The most common and general word for 'joke' or 'jest'. Can be used in almost any context.
それは冗談です。
That's a jest.
冗談を言わないでください。
Please don't jest.
Loanword from English, often used for Western-style jokes or one-liners.
彼はいつもジョークを言っている。
He's always making jests.
To indicate that something was said playfully, without serious intent.
Literally 'say as a joke'. The standard way to express that something was said in jest.
冗談で言っただけだよ。
I only said it in jest.
Means 'half-jokingly' or 'partly in jest'. Used when there is some truth mixed with humor.
冗談半分に言ったけど、本当にそう思う。
I said it half in jest, but I really think so.
To say something in jest with the nuance of teasing or making fun of someone lightly.
からかって言っただけで、怒らないで。
I only said it in jest; don't get mad.
To refer to a sharp, humorous comment that shows intelligence or quick thinking.
A witty remark, pun, or clever joke. Often used in the phrase 洒落を言う.
彼は洒落を言ってみんなを笑わせた。
He made a jest that made everyone laugh.
A formal or literary term for a witty remark or jest. Rare in everyday speech.
彼の冗句にはいつも感心する。
I'm always impressed by his jests.
To jest about a person or topic, often with a teasing but not malicious tone.
To tease or make fun of someone playfully. Can be used for good-natured jesting.
友達を冷やかすのは楽しい。
It's fun to jest with friends.
To tease or make fun of someone, often in a playful but sometimes slightly mean way. Context determines the tone.
English often uses 'jest' as a verb (e.g., 'I jest'), but Japanese does not have a single verb equivalent. Instead, use phrases like 冗談を言う (tell a joke) or 冗談で言う (say in jest). Using 冗談する is not natural.
冗談 is the native Japanese word and is used in all situations. ジョーク is a loanword that often implies a Western-style structured joke with a punchline. For general jesting, 冗談 is safer.
彼はいつも私を揶揄う。
He always jests at my expense.