diff --git a/gnu/packages/python-xyz.scm b/gnu/packages/python-xyz.scm
index 622af01927..f6bb0fb0f7 100644
--- a/gnu/packages/python-xyz.scm
+++ b/gnu/packages/python-xyz.scm
@@ -8776,7 +8776,9 @@ (define-public python-traitlets
     (arguments
      `(#:phases
        (modify-phases %standard-phases
-         (replace 'check (lambda _ (invoke "pytest" "-vv" "traitlets"))))))
+         (replace 'check (lambda* (#:key tests? #:allow-other-keys)
+                           (when tests?
+                             (invoke "pytest" "-vv" "traitlets")))))))
     (native-inputs
      (list python-pytest))
     (home-page "https://ipython.org")