joking apart/aside

said when you want to start speaking seriously about something after making jokes and laughing about it

言归正传，说正经的

Joking apart, will you be able to manage on your own?

言归正传，你自己能应付得了吗?

I know I threatened to leave and go round the world, but, joking aside, I do need a vacation.

我知道我吓唬你们过说要离开这里周游世界，但说正经的，我确实需要一个假期。