Translation guide
How to say 'just kidding' in Japanese, from casual to polite, and how to take back a joke or tease.
You said something as a joke or to tease someone, and now you want to take it back lightly.
A very common, casual way to say 'just kidding' after a statement. Often used with a playful tone.
明日テストがあるよ。なんてね。
There's a test tomorrow. Just kidding.
Literally 'it's a joke'. A straightforward, casual way to say you were kidding. Can be used by itself or after a statement.
You need to take back a joke in a more polite setting, such as at work or with someone you don't know well.
The polite form of 'it's a joke'. Use this in formal situations or with superiors.
すみません、冗談です。
Sorry, just kidding.
You want to tease someone in a lighthearted way, often with a sing-song tone.
A drawn-out, playful version of 'uso' (lie). Often used when someone says something surprising and you want to tease them back.
うっそー、まさかね！
No way, just kidding!
A very casual, slightly childish way to say 'just kidding'. Often used after a silly statement.
冗談 (joke) is a direct way to say you were kidding. うそ (lie) can also be used playfully, but it literally means 'lie', so it can sound harsher if the other person took you seriously. Use 冗談 for a safer retraction.
冗談だよ、本気にしないで。
Just kidding, don't take it seriously.
うそだよ、信じないでね。
Just kidding, don't believe it.
In Japanese, the tone of voice and context heavily influence how 'just kidding' is received. A flat delivery might make it seem like you're lying rather than joking. Use a light, playful tone for casual phrases like なんてね or うっそー.
Just kidding, don't get mad.
Literally 'it's a lie'. Used to retract a statement that was not true, often in a playful way. Can sound a bit stronger than 'just kidding'.
うそだよ、本当じゃない。
Just kidding, it's not true.
Repeating 'joke' to quickly retract a statement. Very casual and often used when someone reacts strongly.
え、マジで？冗談冗談！
Wait, really? Just kidding!
A more explanatory way to say 'I said it as a joke'. Softens the retraction by explaining your intent.
冗談で言ったんです。気にしないでください。
I was just kidding. Please don't worry about it.
私、宇宙人なんだ。なんちゃって。
I'm an alien. Just kidding.