Context
A shop wants €50 for a sandwich.
¿Estás de broma?
Are you joking? — the most direct Spanish equivalent. Deadpan delivery is key.
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sayingsSaying 13 of 25
you're having a laugh
British disbelief — you can't be serious, this is absurd, surely this is a joke.
Literal translation trap
'Estás teniendo una risa' means nothing. Spanish expresses this with completely different constructions.
Say it like this
Context
The deadline has been moved to tomorrow.
¿Me estás tomando el pelo?
Are you pulling my leg? — slightly more personal, implies you think they're winding you up.
Context
Someone suggests a four-hour meeting.
Esto no puede ser en serio.
This can't be serious — calm, controlled disbelief.
Context
A parking fine for a spot that wasn't clearly marked.
¡Vaya cara!
What a nerve/cheek — cara (face) used for audacity. Very Spanish expression of indignation.
Context
They've cancelled the event at the last minute again.
¡Menuda broma!
What a joke — menudo/a + noun is the Spanish construction for 'what a [thing].' Sarcastic.