冗談

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 冗談 is read as じょうだん and means “joke”.
• Basic usage: The examples show a joke easing tension and words that may hurt despite humorous intent.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Distinguishing senses and uses
  • It is something said humorously rather than seriously; 冗談のつもり states the intent but does not excuse a harmful result.