Translation guide
How to express playing a trick, prank, or practical joke on someone in Japanese, from light teasing to mean-spirited tricks.
To do something playful and harmless to surprise or tease someone, like a classic prank.
General phrase for playing a prank or doing mischief. Often used for harmless tricks.
弟にいたずらをした。
I played a trick on my little brother.
Kanji form of いたずらをする, same meaning but more written style.
子供たちは先生に悪戯をした。
The children played a trick on the teacher.
Emphasizes a small, harmless prank.
友達にちょっとしたいたずらをした。
I played a little trick on my friend.
To trick someone in a way that is not just playful, possibly causing trouble or harm.
To deceive or trick someone, often with negative intent. Can be used for scams or lies.
彼は私をだましてお金を取った。
He played a trick on me and took my money.
To trick someone into a trap or scheme, often used for practical jokes or scams.
Idiomatic phrase meaning to play a dirty trick or pull a fast one on someone.
彼に一杯食わせられた。
He played a trick on me.
To perform a magic trick or a playful deception for fun, like a magician.
To perform a magic trick. Specifically refers to sleight of hand or conjuring.
彼は子供たちに手品をした。
He played a trick on the children (performed magic).
To use a trick or gimmick, often in games or performances.
マジシャンは巧妙なトリックを使った。
The magician used a clever trick.
The English phrase 'play a trick on' does not have a single direct equivalent. Avoid literal translations like トリックを遊ぶ. Use the appropriate phrase based on the nature of the trick.
彼にトリックを遊んだ。
I played a trick on him. (unnatural)
友達を引っかけて、偽の宝くじを買わせた。
I played a trick on my friend and made him buy a fake lottery ticket.