joke
word
/ˈdʒoʊk/
johk
/dʒˈəʊk/
johk
Definition
Something you say or do to make people laugh, usually a funny story or a playful comment.
Usage & Nuances
Common in both formal and informal contexts. When used as a verb ('to joke'), it means to say things playfully. Collocations: 'tell a joke,' 'play a joke on someone.' Don't confuse with 'prank,' which is more about actions than words.
Spanish: broma - chistePortuguese (BR): piada - brincadeiraPortuguese (PT): piada - brincadeiraChinese (Simplified): 笑话 - 玩笑Chinese (Traditional): 笑話 - 玩笑Hindi: मज़ाक - चुटकुलाArabic: نكتة - مزحةBengali: কৌতুক - রসিকতাRussian: шуткаJapanese: 冗談 - ジョークVietnamese: trò đùa - chuyện cườiKorean: 농담Turkish: şakaUrdu: مزاح - لطیفہIndonesian: lelucon - candaan
Example Sentences
He told a funny joke in class.
basic
That was just a joke; don’t be upset.
basic
Can you tell me a joke?
basic
I was only joking, don’t take it seriously.
natural
Sometimes his jokes go too far and offend people.
natural
Is that story real or just another joke?
natural