Japanese phrase
冗談ですよ。 jō dan de su yo
Meaning
I'm just kidding.
When to use it
States that a preceding remark was not serious. It softens a playful tease and is common in casual conversation.
Example dialogue
明日、会社を辞めます。冗談ですよ。 asu gai sha o ya me ma su jō dan de su yo
I'm quitting my job tomorrow. I'm just kidding.
びっくりしました。 bi kku ri shi ma shi ta
That surprised me.