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.
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.
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'.
Just kidding, it's not true.
Repeating 'joke' to quickly retract a statement. Very casual and often used when someone reacts strongly.
Wait, really? Just kidding!
You need to take back a joke in a more polite setting, such as at work or with someone you don't know well.
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.
No way, just kidding!
A very casual, slightly childish way to say 'just kidding'. Often used after a silly statement.
I'm an alien. Just kidding.
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.
Just kidding, don't take it seriously.
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.
I was just kidding. Please don't worry about it.