Translation guide
The concept of misbehaviour covers a range of actions from childish naughtiness to serious misconduct. Japanese expressions vary by context, age, and severity.
To describe a child, student, or pet acting up, being naughty, or not following rules.
Common phrase for playful mischief or pranks, often used for children or pets. Can also mean 'to tease' or 'to play a trick'.
子供がいたずらをして、壁に落書きした。
The child misbehaved and drew on the wall.
Noun meaning 'badness' or 'mischief', often used in the phrase 悪さをする (to do something bad). Casual and common for minor misbehaviour.
猫がまた悪さをした。
The cat misbehaved again.
Literally 'doesn't listen to what is said', used for children or pets who don't obey. Describes the state of misbehaving by not following instructions.
うちの子は全然言うことを聞かない。
My child just won't behave (listen).
To refer to improper behaviour in a formal setting, such as breaking rules, harassment, or professional misconduct.
Formal term for dishonest or illegal acts, such as cheating, fraud, or professional misconduct. Used in legal, academic, and corporate contexts.
試験中の不正行為は厳しく罰せられる。
Misbehaviour during exams is severely punished.
Refers to juvenile delinquency or antisocial behaviour by minors. Often used in legal and social welfare contexts.
Scandal or disgraceful incident, often used for corporate or organizational misconduct that damages reputation.
To describe someone acting rudely, without manners, or inappropriately in social situations.
Means 'to do something rude'. A natural way to say someone misbehaved by being impolite.
彼はパーティーで失礼なことをした。
He misbehaved at the party (did something rude).
Noun meaning bad manners or breach of etiquette. Slightly formal.
その不作法は許されない。
That misbehaviour is unforgivable.
To describe someone behaving disruptively, throwing a tantrum, or causing a scene.
Verb meaning 'to make noise', 'to cause a commotion', or 'to act rowdy'. Often used for children or drunk people misbehaving.
電車の中で騒いではいけません。
Don't misbehave (make a racket) on the train.
Means 'to act violently' or 'to rampage'. Used when misbehaviour involves physical aggression or wild behaviour.
いたずら is playful mischief, often harmless. 悪さ is a casual, general term for bad behaviour, slightly stronger than いたずら. 不正行為 is formal and implies dishonesty or rule-breaking, such as cheating or fraud.
子供のいたずらに笑った。
I laughed at the child's mischief.
犬が悪さをして靴を噛んだ。
The dog misbehaved and chewed the shoe.
彼は不正行為で停学になった。
He was suspended for misconduct.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all senses of 'misbehaviour'. Using a dictionary form like 不正行為 for a child's prank would sound overly harsh. Always match the expression to the context and severity.
Juvenile misbehaviour is increasing.
The company's misbehaviour was reported in the newspaper.
酔っ払いが店で暴れた。
A drunk person misbehaved (went wild) in the store.