How to say "joke" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 冗談じょうだんnounThe general word for a joke or jest — a remark or funny story said in fun. It covers most senses of 'joke', from kidding around to telling a funny story.
- ichidan verb, intransitive verbA verb, not a noun: for the act of joking, kidding or joshing — messing about playfully rather than telling a particular joke. Usually written in kana alone.
- nounA loanword from English 'gag', for the short, snappy joke aimed at an instant laugh — the kind dropped into comedy routines. It leans toward the 'gag' side of 'joke'.
- nounThe direct loanword of 'joke', used much as in English. It often suggests a Western-style joke told with a setup and punchline, and in many contexts it overlaps with 冗談.
- 洒落しゃれnounFor the witty side of joking: puns, jests and witticisms, where the humour turns on clever wording rather than on a story. Not the default word for an ordinary joke.
Use 冗談 for a joke in general, 「ジョーク」 for Western-style jokes, 「ギャグ」 for quick gags, 洒落 for puns and witticisms, and 「ふざける」 for the act of joking around.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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