Translation guide
A boy who misbehaves, is disobedient, or causes minor trouble. In Japanese, the expression depends on the nuance: playful mischief, deliberate disobedience, or a child who doesn't listen.
Describing a boy who is mischievous in a playful, not seriously bad way.
A common, affectionate term for a mischievous child, often used for boys. Implies playful naughtiness rather than bad behavior.
My son is a real naughty boy, always up to something.
Refers to a naughty, rambunctious boy. 'やんちゃ' means mischievous or unruly, and '坊主' is a colloquial term for boy. Often used affectionately.
The naughty boys from the neighborhood are running around in the park.
Literally 'mischief boy'. Less common, slightly old-fashioned. Can be used for a boy who plays pranks.
That naughty boy is chasing the cat again.
Describing a boy who deliberately disobeys rules or behaves badly, often with a stronger negative tone.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'a boy who doesn't listen/obey'. Natural and clear.
For a naughty boy who doesn't listen, it's better to explain the reasons properly.
'わんぱく' means naughty or unruly, and '小僧' is a somewhat rough term for a boy. Can be used for a boy who is wild and disobedient, sometimes with a scolding tone.
Those naughty boys broke the fence.
Referring to a boy or man who is sexually suggestive or 'naughty' in an adult sense.
'エッチ' means lewd or perverted. This phrase directly translates 'naughty boy' in a sexual context, but is quite direct.
He's a naughty boy who's always thinking about dirty things.
Slang for 'lecher' or 'pervert'. Can be used for a 'naughty boy' in a sexual sense, but is cruder and often used for adult men.
Directly translating 'naughty boy' as 'いたずらな男の子' is grammatical but sounds unnatural. Use established terms like 'いたずらっ子' or 'やんちゃ坊主' instead.
'いたずらっ子' is gender-neutral and focuses on playful mischief. 'やんちゃ坊主' specifically refers to boys and implies more energetic, rambunctious behavior. Both can be affectionate, but 'やんちゃ坊主' can also carry a slightly scolding tone.
Means 'juvenile delinquent' or 'bad boy'. Much stronger than 'naughty', implying delinquency or criminal behavior. Use only for serious misbehavior.
He joined a gang of naughty boys (delinquents).
あのスケベ小僧、また女の子のスカートをめくった。
That naughty boy flipped up a girl's skirt again.