tell joke
يحكي نكتة
Use `tell a joke` to describe sharing humor in social, casual, or lighthearted professional settings.
En 15 segundos
- Sharing a funny story or pun to make people laugh.
- Always use the verb 'tell', never 'say' or 'speak'.
- Great for breaking the ice or lightening the mood.
Significado
This phrase means telling a short, funny story or a play on words to make people laugh. It is the standard way to describe the act of sharing humor with others.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6At a party with friends
He loves to tell a joke to get everyone laughing.
He loves to tell a joke to get everyone laughing.
Starting a speech
The speaker decided to tell a joke to break the ice.
The speaker decided to tell a joke to break the ice.
Texting a friend who is bored
I'm so bored, tell me a joke!
I'm so bored, tell me a joke!
Contexto cultural
Humor is central to social bonding in the West, often used to bridge status gaps between people. The 'Dad Joke'—a pun-heavy, cheesy joke—has become a massive internet subculture in recent years. In many English-speaking workplaces, a leader who can tell a joke is often seen as more relatable and trustworthy.
The 'Say' Trap
Never say 'I want to say a joke.' Even though it makes sense in other languages, in English, it sounds very unnatural. Always use `tell`.
Dad Jokes
If you tell a joke that is so bad it's funny, Americans call it a 'Dad Joke'. It usually involves a silly pun.
En 15 segundos
- Sharing a funny story or pun to make people laugh.
- Always use the verb 'tell', never 'say' or 'speak'.
- Great for breaking the ice or lightening the mood.
What It Means
To tell a joke is to perform a small piece of comedy. You share a specific story or a witty line. The goal is always to get a laugh or a smile. It is a social tool used to break the ice. It helps people feel more comfortable around you.
How To Use It
You use this phrase as a simple verb-object pair. You can say I told a joke or He is telling a joke. It works in almost any tense. You can also ask someone, Can you tell a joke? if the room is too quiet. Just remember, the verb is always tell, never say or speak a joke. That is a common mistake!
When To Use It
Use it when you want to lighten the mood. It is perfect for parties or hanging out with friends. You might use it at a dinner table to entertain your family. It even works at the start of a presentation to grab attention. If someone looks sad, a well-timed joke might help them feel better.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid telling jokes during very serious or somber moments. Do not tell a joke during a funeral or a high-stakes business crisis. If your boss is giving you a serious warning, keep the humor for later. Also, be careful with jokes that might offend others. If the room feels tense, sometimes silence is better than a bad joke.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, humor is a highly valued social skill. Being able to tell a joke well makes you seem more likable and confident. There is a long tradition of 'Knock-Knock' jokes for kids. Adults often prefer 'one-liners' or short anecdotal stories. Humor is often used as a 'social lubricant' to make difficult conversations easier.
Common Variations
You might hear people say crack a joke. This is a more informal and fun way to say it. Another variation is share a joke, which sounds a bit more polite. If someone tells a lot of jokes, you might call them a joker. If the joke is bad, people might say you are telling dad jokes!
Notas de uso
The phrase is very versatile and fits almost any social situation. Just remember that 'tell' is the mandatory verb; using 'say' is the most common mistake for non-native speakers.
The 'Say' Trap
Never say 'I want to say a joke.' Even though it makes sense in other languages, in English, it sounds very unnatural. Always use `tell`.
Dad Jokes
If you tell a joke that is so bad it's funny, Americans call it a 'Dad Joke'. It usually involves a silly pun.
Timing is Everything
In English culture, 'telling a joke' is as much about the pause before the punchline as the words themselves!
Ejemplos
6He loves to tell a joke to get everyone laughing.
He loves to tell a joke to get everyone laughing.
Describes a habitual action in a social setting.
The speaker decided to tell a joke to break the ice.
The speaker decided to tell a joke to break the ice.
Shows humor used as a professional tool.
I'm so bored, tell me a joke!
I'm so bored, tell me a joke!
A direct request for entertainment via text.
It takes courage to stand up and tell a joke to strangers.
It takes courage to stand up and tell a joke to strangers.
Refers to a professional performance.
I tried to tell a joke to make her smile, but she wasn't in the mood.
I tried to tell a joke to make her smile, but she wasn't in the mood.
Using humor to provide emotional support.
Is it appropriate to tell a joke during the board meeting?
Is it appropriate to tell a joke during the board meeting?
Questioning the social etiquette of humor.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct verb to complete the phrase.
My uncle always ___ the funniest jokes at Thanksgiving.
In English, we always use the verb `tell` with `joke`. `Saying` a joke is grammatically incorrect.
Complete the sentence with the most natural phrase.
The atmosphere was tense, so Sarah decided to ___ to lighten the mood.
`Tell a joke` is the standard collocation for sharing a funny story.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Tell a Joke'
Cracking jokes with best friends.
Let's crack some jokes!
Standard usage in most daily life.
He told a joke.
Used in speeches or professional settings.
Allow me to share a brief joke.
Where to Tell a Joke
Dinner Party
Entertaining guests.
Work Break
Bonding with coworkers.
First Date
Breaking the ice.
Classroom
Making classmates laugh.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, but they mean different things. Tell a joke means sharing a story, while make a joke usually means creating a funny comment about a current situation.
It is generally neutral. However, in a very formal meeting, you might say share an anecdote or share a humorous story instead.
A 'one-liner' is a type of joke that is only one sentence long. You still tell a one-liner.
Both are correct! Use tell a joke for one specific story and tell jokes if you are sharing many of them.
If you tell a joke and no one laughs, we say the joke 'bombed' or 'fell flat'. It happens to everyone!
It is a bit informal for academic writing. Instead of he told a joke, you might write he employed humor or he used a comedic device.
It is a more idiomatic, informal way to say tell a joke. For example: He's always cracking jokes in class.
Yes, avoid 'offensive' or 'inappropriate' jokes in professional or mixed company. Stick to 'clean' jokes.
If you have a friendly relationship, yes! It is a great way to build rapport.
The 'punchline' is the final part of the joke that makes it funny. You tell the joke to get to the punchline.
Frases relacionadas
crack a joke
To tell a joke suddenly or in an informal way.
play a prank
To do a physical joke or trick on someone.
break the ice
To say or do something to make people feel more relaxed.
pull someone's leg
To tease someone by telling them something that isn't true.
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