Joke in different languages

Joke in Different Languages

Discover 'Joke' in 134 Languages: Dive into Translations, Hear Pronunciations, and Uncover Cultural Insights.

Updated on March 6, 2024

Have you ever wondered how to say 'joke' in different languages? The word 'joke' holds a special significance in our lives, providing laughter, connection, and sometimes a bit of insight. From ancient folklore to modern-day sitcoms, jokes have been a constant source of entertainment and cultural importance. Understanding the translation of 'joke' in various languages can open up a world of new comedic styles and cultural nuances.

For instance, did you know that the word for 'joke' in German is 'Witz' and in Spanish it's 'broma'? Or that in Japanese, the word for 'joke' is 'お坊ちゃんジョーク (obotchan jōku)'? These translations not only provide a glimpse into the language but also the culture and humor of each region.

So, whether you're a language enthusiast, a world traveler, or just someone who enjoys a good laugh, learning the translations of 'joke' in different languages can be a fun and enlightening experience. Keep reading to discover more fascinating translations!

Joke


Joke in Sub-Saharan African Languages

Afrikaansgrap
The Afrikaans word "grap" is derived from the Dutch word "grap", meaning "joke" or "prank".
Amharicቀልድ
The word "ቀልድ" also refers to mockery or mimicry.
Hausawargi
Despite its common usage as a joke, the word 'wargi' has additional meanings, such as 'fun' and 'amusement', broadening its semantic range.
Igboegwuregwu
The Igbo word "egwuregwu" can also refer to a play or performance.
Malagasyvazivazy
The word "vazivazy" comes from the verb "vazivazy," meaning "to chat idly" or "to tell a lie."
Nyanja (Chichewa)nthabwala
The word "nthabwala" can also refer to a person who enjoys or tells jokes
Shonanyambo
The Shona word "nyambo" is also used as a term of endearment or affection, particularly for young children or animals.
Somalikaftan
The Somali word "kaftan" also refers to a type of loose-fitting robe or tunic traditionally worn in the Middle East and North Africa.
Sesothosoasoa
The word "soasoa" in Sesotho derives from the Proto-Bantu root "-soh" meaning "to laugh or ridicule".
Swahiliutani
The word 'utani' also means 'kinship' and is related to the verb 'kutana' meaning 'to meet'.
Xhosaisiqhulo
The word "isiqhulo" is also used to refer to an amusing or playful remark or story.
Yorubaawada
In the context of storytelling, the word "awada" refers to a riddle or puzzle rather than a joke.
Zuluihlaya
Ihlaya derives from the word 'hlanya', meaning 'to play'.
Bambaratulonkɛkuma
Ewenukokoenya
Kinyarwandaurwenya
Lingalaliseki
Lugandaokusaaga
Sepedimetlae
Twi (Akan)aseresɛm

Joke in North African & Middle Eastern Languages

Arabicنكتة
The word "joke" in Arabic comes from the root verb "naqata," meaning "to pierce" or "to prick," suggesting the idea of a sharp observation that cuts through the surface.
Hebrewבדיחה
The Hebrew word "בדיחה" (joke) likely originated from the phrase "בדוחא דעתא" (playfulness of mind).
Pashtoټوکه
"ټوکه" also refers to a small piece of something, especially a small piece of food.
Arabicنكتة
The word "joke" in Arabic comes from the root verb "naqata," meaning "to pierce" or "to prick," suggesting the idea of a sharp observation that cuts through the surface.

Joke in Western European Languages

Albanianshaka
The word 'shaka' is derived from the Turkish word 'şaka', meaning 'prank' or 'trick'.
Basquetxantxa
The word "txantxa" also means "spider" in Aramaic, "insect" in Mandaic, and "small animal" in Assyrian.
Catalanbroma
In Valencian, the word "broma" refers to a type of embroidery.
Croatianvic
The word "vic" is used in Dalmatia, particularly in the northern Dalmatian dialect.
Danishjoke
The term 'joke' also refers to a type of fabric similar to a thin cotton material in Danish.
Dutchgrap
Grap is also a synonym of 'grab' and can mean 'seize', 'to clutch' or 'to nab'
Englishjoke
The word "joke" derives from 16th-century jargon denoting "a trick or deception".
Frenchblague
Blague can also mean "hoax" or "nonsense", or refer to the military slang for a rumor or tall tale.
Frisianmop
In Frisian, "mop" also means "grimace" or "to make faces".
Galicianbroma
In Galician, the word "broma" originally meant "magic" or "spell".
Germanscherz
From the Middle High German 'scherzen', 'to joke' or 'to make fun of', related to the English word 'shear'.
Icelandicbrandari
In some dialects, "brandari" has a slightly archaic meaning of a short, sharp pain or prickle, similar to "stinga".
Irishmagadh
The word "magadh" in Irish also means "a pleasant surprise".
Italianscherzo
In Italian, scherzo also means 'music played between the slow and fast movements of a sonata or symphony'.
Luxembourgishwitz
Witz is also used to refer to a "piece of cake".
Malteseċajta
The word 'ċajta' possibly originated from the Sicilian 'sciatta' meaning 'nonsense'.
Norwegianvits
Vits or vidd in norwegian derives from the ancient norse word 'vit' meaning 'intelligence'.
Portuguese (Portugal, Brazil)piada
The Portuguese word "piada" derives from the vulgar Latin word "plaga" (blow), which later evolved to mean "pesta" (plague).
Scots Gaelicfealla-dhà
Spanishbroma
In ancient Greek, "broma" meant "food" or "something to eat," a meaning still found in dialects of modern Greek.
Swedishskämt
Skämt derives from Old Norse "skemta" meaning "to amuse oneself with light conversation".
Welshjôc
The word "jôc" in Welsh is thought to be derived from the Latin word "iocus", which means "jest" or "joke".

Joke in Eastern European Languages

Belarusianжарт
"Жарт" is also a euphemism for "fart" in Belarusian slang.
Bosnianšala
The word "šala" can also mean "madness" or "insanity" in Bosnian.
Bulgarianшега
The word "шега" comes from the Old Slavic word "*šegъ", meaning " mockery" or "ridicule."
Czechžert
The word "žert" in Czech originally meant "disgrace" or "mockery".
Estoniannali
The word "nali" is thought to derive from the old Germanic word "gali", meaning "mirth" or "amusement".
Finnishvitsi
In the 1820s, a Finnish actor named Erik Johan Stagnelius became known for his popular comic performances, in which he improvised most of his dialogue. The term "vitsi," derived from Stagnelius's catchphrase "Vitsi se on," meaning "that's the joke," came to be used as a general term for jokes in Finnish.
Hungariantréfa
"Tréfa" derives from "teremteve" which means: "creation of space", implying that creating a joke is akin to creating a new space through a combination of unexpected words and/or ideas.
Latvianjoks
The word "joks" is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "yek-", meaning "to laugh".
Lithuanianpokštas
"Pokštas" originally meant "a piece of cloth" and is likely derived from the verb "pakišti", meaning "to insert".
Macedonianшега
The Macedonian word "шега" (joke) is probably derived from the Proto-Slavic word *šegъ (mirth, gaiety) and related to the Polish word "żart" (joke).
Polishżart
The Polish word "żart" originates from the Proto-Slavic *žьrtъ, meaning "lot, fate, portion".
Romanianglumă
"Glumă" comes from the word "glumi", meaning "to play", and has meanings like "game" and "fun".
Russianшутка
The word "шутка" can also mean "a playful action or gesture".
Serbianшала
The word 'шала' can also mean cabin, refuge, booth, stand, and shed in Serbian, deriving from the Proto-Slavic word 'šala' or 'šalja', meaning hut.
Slovakvtip
The word "vtip" also refers to a kind of bird or a part of a flower in some languages.
Slovenianšala
The word 'Šala' originates from the Proto-Slavic term 'šolь', meaning 'to amuse' or 'to make fun of'.
Ukrainianжарт
The word "жарт" can also mean "a mockery" or "a joke" in Ukrainian.

Joke in South Asian Languages

Bengaliরসিকতা
"রসিকতা" (joke) derives from Sanskrit "রস" (essence, humor), also referring to a kind of literary composition that evokes humor.
Gujaratiમજાક
The Gujarati word "મજાક" can also mean "fun", "enjoyment", or "pleasure".
Hindiमज़ाक
The word 'मज़ाक' originates from the Arabic word 'مزاح' meaning light conversation or banter.
Kannadaಜೋಕ್
Malayalamതമാശ
In Sanskrit, the word 'तामस' (tāmas) referred to darkness or ignorance, which could extend to a humorous misunderstanding.
Marathiविनोद
The Marathi word 'विनोद' (joke) derives from the Sanskrit 'vinoda', meaning 'delight' or 'recreation'.
Nepaliठट्टा
"ठट्टा" may colloquially mean "fun" or "mocking", but it literally means "to cheat" or "deceive".
Punjabiਮਜ਼ਾਕ
The word “ਮਜ਼ਾਕ” is derived from the Arabic word “مزاح” (muzaaḥ), which means "joking, jesting, or raillery."
Sinhala (Sinhalese)විහිළුවක්
The Sinhala word "විහිළුව" "(vihiluva)", meaning "joke", is derived from the Sanskrit word "विहसित" "(vihasita)", meaning "to smile" or "to laugh".
Tamilநகைச்சுவை
Derived from the Sanskrit term 'naka', 'நகைச்சுவை' not only means 'joke' but also signifies 'laughter' or 'humour' in Tamil.
Teluguజోక్
The word "ಜೋಕ್" in Telugu can also mean "a small insect" or "a worm".
Urduمذاق
The word "مذاق" can also refer to a "sense of humor" or a "witty remark."

Joke in East Asian Languages

Chinese (Simplified)玩笑
"玩笑" comes from "玩" (play) and "笑" (laugh)
Chinese (Traditional)玩笑
玩笑, also pronounced 'xiào huà' (笑話), can refer to jokes, but it can also mean 'funny', 'amusing', or 'absurd'.
Japanese冗談で
The suffix -de ("in") is added to -jodan ("joking") instead of -de ("by") to express that the action is performed jokingly.
Korean농담
"농담" has the alternate meaning of "farming" or "cultivation".
Mongolianхошигнол
The word "хошигнол" in Mongolian is related to the word for "laughter" and originally meant "to make laugh" or "to entertain."
Myanmar (Burmese)ဟာသ
ဟာသ comes from Sanskrit हास (hāsa), meaning "laughter".

Joke in South East Asian Languages

Indonesianlelucon
Derived from the verb "lelu" meaning "to make fun of" or "to mock", and has a pejorative connotation when used to describe a bad joke.
Javaneseguyonan
Guyonan literally translates to "playing together" in Indonesian.
Khmerកំប្លែង
បំណ្លែង is derived from the Sanskrit word 'vihar', meaning 'to wander' or 'to play', and it originally referred to a type of dramatic performance.
Laoຕະຫລົກ
The word "ตลก" is also used in Thai to mean "funny".
Malayjenaka
"Jenaka" also means "funny" in Malay, and originally meant "a joke or a prank" in Old Javanese.
Thaiเรื่องตลก
"เรื่องตลก" also means "story" in Thai.
Vietnamesetrò đùa
"Trò đùa" (joke) originates from "trò" (game, play) and "đùa" (tease, fool), highlighting its playful and teasing nature.
Filipino (Tagalog)biro

Joke in Central Asian Languages

Azerbaijanizarafat
The word "zarafat" also means "gracefulness" or "elegance" in Azerbaijani.
Kazakhәзіл
The word "әзіл" can also mean "witticism" or "irony" in Kazakh.
Kyrgyzтамаша
The word "тамаша" in Kyrgyz can also mean "spectacle" or "entertainment."
Tajikшӯхӣ
The Tajik word "шӯхӣ" can also refer to teasing or flirting.
Turkmendegişme
Uzbekhazil
The word "hazil" can also mean "amusing" or "funny" in Uzbek.
Uyghurچاقچاق

Joke in Pacific Languages

Hawaiianhoʻomākeʻaka
Hoʻomākeʻaka is an extended form of the word 'mākeʻaka', which means 'to make one laugh'.
Maoriwhakakatakata
The word "whakakatakata" can also mean "to tease" or "to jest".
Samoantausuaga
The word 'tausuaga' has additional meanings such as 'riddle' and 'puzzle'.
Tagalog (Filipino)magbiro
"Magbiro" also means "to talk lightly or idly" and a "playmate" who talks lightly.

Joke in American Indigenous Languages

Aymarasawka
Guaranijaru

Joke in International Languages

Esperantoŝerco
"Ŝerco" also refers to music played as a jest, often at the beginning or end of a larger work.
Latiniocus
In addition to meaning 'joke', 'iocus' can also mean 'sport', 'play', 'jest', or 'amusement'.

Joke in Others Languages

Greekαστείο
The word 'αστείο' in Greek shares its etymology with 'asty' meaning 'city' and 'asteios' meaning 'urbane' or 'sophisticated', reflecting the fact that jokes were often associated with city life.
Hmongtso dag
In Hmong, "tso dag" can also refer to a "funny person" or "clown".
Kurdishhenek
The word 'henek' can also refer to a mischievous prank or playful deception.
Turkishşaka
The Turkish word "şaka" derives from the Persian word "šākh" meaning "branch", as jokes were often told in the form of riddles using the branches of trees.
Xhosaisiqhulo
The word "isiqhulo" is also used to refer to an amusing or playful remark or story.
Yiddishוויץ
The Yiddish word "וויץ" (joke) shares its root with the German word "Witz", meaning "sense", "intelligence", or "understanding."
Zuluihlaya
Ihlaya derives from the word 'hlanya', meaning 'to play'.
Assameseকৌতুক
Aymarasawka
Bhojpuriमजाक
Dhivehiޖޯކު
Dogriचुटकला
Filipino (Tagalog)biro
Guaranijaru
Ilocanoagrabak
Kriojok
Kurdish (Sorani)نوکتە
Maithiliचुटकुला
Meiteilon (Manipuri)ꯐꯥꯒꯤ
Mizofiamthu
Oromoqoosaa
Odia (Oriya)ଥଟ୍ଟା
Quechuachansa
Sanskritव्यंग
Tatarшаяру
Tigrinyaቀልዲ
Tsongafenya

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