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.
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.
言うことを聞かない男の子には、きちんと理由を説明したほうがいい。
For a naughty boy who doesn't listen, it's better to explain the reasons properly.
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.
彼はいつもエッチなことばかり考えているエッチな男の子だ。
He's a naughty boy who's always thinking about dirty things.
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.
A common, affectionate term for a mischievous child, often used for boys. Implies playful naughtiness rather than bad behavior.
うちの息子は本当にいたずらっ子で、いつも何かやらかしてる。
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.
近所のやんちゃ坊主たちが公園で走り回っている。
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.
あの悪戯坊主がまた猫を追いかけてる。
That naughty boy is chasing the cat again.
'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.
わんぱく小僧どもが塀を壊した。
Those naughty boys broke the fence.
Means 'juvenile delinquent' or 'bad boy'. Much stronger than 'naughty', implying delinquency or criminal behavior. Use only for serious misbehavior.
彼は不良少年グループに入ってしまった。
He joined a gang of naughty boys (delinquents).
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.
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.