Translation guide
A trick played on someone to make them look foolish or to amuse others, typically involving a physical setup or deception.
To play a trick on someone for fun, often involving a setup.
A planned trick often involving a fake situation to surprise or fool someone, similar to TV prank shows.
A light-hearted, often childish prank that causes no real harm.
いたずら is a general term for pranks, from childish mischief to mean tricks. ドッキリ specifically refers to surprise pranks, often staged and recorded, like those on TV variety shows. Use ドッキリ when the prank is designed to shock or surprise someone in an elaborate setup.
The English phrase 'practical joke' does not have a direct one-word equivalent in Japanese. Using 実用的な冗談 would be nonsensical. Stick to いたずら or ドッキリ depending on the context.
The most common word for a prank or mischievous trick. Can range from harmless to mean-spirited.
彼はよくいたずらをする。
He often plays practical jokes.
それはひどいいたずらだ。
That's a mean practical joke.
Kanji form of いたずら, often used in writing. Same meaning.
子供の悪戯に困っている。
I'm troubled by the children's pranks.
To set up or play a prank on someone. Emphasizes the act of planning and executing.
友達にいたずらを仕掛けた。
I played a practical joke on my friend.
A prank that goes too far or is in bad taste; horseplay. Implies a more negative or disruptive act.
彼の悪ふざけでパーティーが台無しになった。
His practical joke ruined the party.
Usually means 'joke' (verbal), but can sometimes refer to a playful trick. Not the primary word for physical pranks.
Use いたずら for physical pranks; 冗談 is mainly for verbal jokes.
それは冗談のつもりだった。
I meant it as a joke (not a serious prank).
Refers to a surprise prank, often staged and filmed, like those on Japanese TV. Can also mean a shocking surprise.
テレビのドッキリ番組が好きだ。
I like TV prank shows.
友達にドッキリを仕掛けた。
I pulled a prank on my friend (like a hidden camera stunt).
To set up a surprise prank, often with cameras or an audience.
芸人にドッキリを仕掛ける企画。
A plan to play a prank on a comedian.
Also used for harmless tricks. Context determines severity.
子供が可愛いいたずらをした。
The child played a cute little prank.
Playful fooling around, often verbal or silly behavior rather than a planned trick.
彼のおふざけには笑ってしまう。
I can't help laughing at his silly pranks.