Translation guide
The English word "mischief" covers a range of playful troublemaking, from harmless pranks to minor harm or damage. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent; the best choice depends on the intent, severity, and context. This guide helps learners choose natural expressions for different shades of "mischief."
Describing light-hearted, playful misbehavior, often by children or among friends, without malicious intent.
The most common and versatile word for playful mischief, pranks, or teasing. Can be used as a noun or a suru-verb (いたずらする). Often implies childish or innocent fun.
子供たちがいたずらをして、犬を驚かせた。
The children played a prank and startled the dog.
彼はよく妹にいたずらをする。
He often plays tricks on his younger sister.
Refers to a mischievous child, a 'little rascal.' Used affectionately for kids who are always up to something.
A more formal or literary term for mischief or prank. Often used in written language or set phrases. Can also imply malicious mischief in some contexts.
彼の悪戯には手を焼いている。
I'm at my wit's end with his mischief.
When mischief results in actual trouble, damage, or harm, even if not intended maliciously.
When mischief is deliberate, harmful, or illegal, such as vandalism or sabotage.
In formal or legal contexts, 悪戯 can mean malicious mischief or criminal damage. Often used in compounds like 悪戯行為 (act of mischief).
Referring to someone, often a child or pet, who is playfully naughty in an endearing way.
Describing a twinkle in the eye, a playful attitude, or the abstract concept of mischievousness.
While 悪戯 can mean 'mischief,' it often sounds formal or literary. In everyday conversation, いたずら is much more natural for playful mischief. Reserve 悪戯 for written contexts or when emphasizing malicious intent.
子供のいたずらに笑ってしまった。
I couldn't help but laugh at the child's mischief.
いたずら is generally harmless and playful. 悪ふざけ implies that the prank has crossed a line into meanness or danger. Choose based on the severity and intent.
いたずらで隠しただけだよ。
I just hid it as a prank.
子供たちはいたずら心でいっぱいだった。
The children were full of mischief.
彼は学校でいたずらをした。
He got into mischief at school.
彼女の目はいたずらっぽく輝いていた。
Her eyes sparkled with mischief.
うちの息子は本当にいたずらっ子で、いつも何かやらかしてる。
My son is a real little rascal, always getting into something.
Still the go-to word, but context makes it clear that the mischief had consequences. Often used with verbs like する, 働く, or が過ぎる.
いたずらが過ぎて、窓ガラスを割ってしまった。
The mischief went too far and they broke the window.
A set phrase meaning 'the prank went too far' or 'mischief got out of hand.'
いたずらが過ぎて、先生に怒られた。
The prank went too far and we got scolded by the teacher.
A casual, somewhat colloquial word for misbehavior or wrongdoing. Often used for minor bad deeds, especially by kids or young people.
あの子はまた悪さをして、近所の人に迷惑をかけた。
That kid was up to mischief again and bothered the neighbors.
公園の設備に対する悪戯が増えている。
There has been an increase in mischief (vandalism) against park facilities.
Even for malicious acts, いたずら can be used if the tone is not overly serious, but it may downplay the severity. Use with caution.
May sound too mild for serious crimes; consider 犯罪 (crime) or 破壊行為 (act of destruction) instead.
誰かのいたずらで、自転車が壊された。
Someone's mischief left my bicycle broken.
Refers to a prank or horseplay that has gone too far and become mean-spirited or harmful. Implies a lack of restraint.
彼の悪ふざけで友達が怪我をした。
His mischief (cruel prank) caused his friend to get hurt.
The standard term for a mischievous child. Carries an affectionate tone.
あのいたずらっ子がまた何か隠したよ。
That little mischief-maker has hidden something again.
Describes a naughty, mischievous child (or sometimes adult) who is full of energy and always getting into trouble. Can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
やんちゃな子犬が靴を噛んでしまった。
The mischievous puppy chewed up the shoes.
A slightly old-fashioned term for a naughty, rambunctious boy. Often used in the set phrase 腕白坊主 (mischievous boy).
腕白坊主たちが公園を走り回っている。
The mischievous boys are running around the park.
Literally 'mischief heart,' meaning a playful or mischievous spirit. Often used when someone is tempted to do something naughty but fun.
いたずら心が抑えられなくて、つい友達の椅子を引いてしまった。
I couldn't resist my mischievous urge and ended up pulling my friend's chair away.
An i-adjective meaning 'mischievous-looking' or 'full of mischief.' Describes a facial expression, smile, or personality.
彼女はいたずらっぽい笑顔で秘密を教えてくれた。
She told me the secret with a mischievous smile.
悪ふざけで人を傷つけるのは許せない。
I can't forgive hurting someone through cruel mischief.
悪ふざけで人を傷つけるのは許せない。
I can't forgive hurting someone through cruel mischief.