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.
The children played a prank and startled the dog.
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.
When mischief results in actual trouble, damage, or harm, even if not intended maliciously.
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.
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.
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.
The children were full of mischief.
He often plays tricks on his younger sister.
My son is a real little rascal, always getting into something.
I'm at my wit's end with his mischief.
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.'
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.
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.
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.
His mischief (cruel prank) caused his friend to get hurt.
The standard term for a mischievous child. Carries an affectionate tone.
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.
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).
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.
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.
She told me the secret with a mischievous smile.
I just hid it as a prank.
I can't forgive hurting someone through cruel mischief.
He got into mischief at school.
Her eyes sparkled with mischief.