Translation guide
Describes playful, slightly naughty behavior, often in children or pets. Japanese has several words that capture different nuances, from harmless pranks to more troublesome acts.
mischievous child
mischievous smile
Describing a child or animal that is full of energy and enjoys harmless tricks or disobedience.
The most common and versatile adjective for 'mischievous'. It implies playful naughtiness without malice.
A mischievous child is playing in the garden.
Our cat is very mischievous and often climbs the curtains.
Often used for boisterous, unruly children, especially boys. Carries a sense of rough-and-tumble playfulness.
Describes a charming, cute kind of mischievousness, often used for girls or women. Implies a playful, teasing nature.
Describing actions or behavior that are slightly harmful or annoying, like playing tricks on someone.
Describing a facial expression or smile that suggests playful trickery.
いたずらな is the most general and can be used for anyone or anything playful. やんちゃな emphasizes rough, boisterous behavior, typical of young boys. おちゃめな is often used for girls or women and has a cute, charming nuance.
mischievous puppy
mischievous boy (rough and tumble)
mischievous girl (cute and playful)
While 悪戯 (いたずら) is a noun, the adjective form 悪戯な is rarely used in modern Japanese. Use いたずらな instead.
Mischievous boys are running around in the park.
She told a joke with a mischievous smile.
The boy was scolded by the teacher for his excessive mischief.
I could tell from her mischievous look that she was up to something.