Translation guide
The English word "tease" covers a wide range of actions, from playful joking to cruel bullying, and even includes sexual provocation. Japanese uses different words and phrases depending on the intent and relationship.
To joke with someone in a light-hearted, affectionate way, often about a small flaw or funny situation.
The most common and versatile verb for playful teasing. It implies a friendly, non-malicious intent.
He always teases me.
Stop teasing me!
Often used for teasing by poking fun at someone's quirks or habits, common among close friends. Can be more pointed than からかう but still usually friendly.
My friends teased me about my hairstyle.
Literally 'to meddle', used for teasing that involves minor physical pestering or playful interference.
My little brother is teasing the cat.
To mock, ridicule, or harass someone in a mean-spirited way, often repeatedly.
The standard word for bullying or cruel teasing. It implies a power imbalance and malicious intent.
He is being teased/bullied at school.
To make fun of someone, to treat them as stupid. Stronger than からかう, often insulting.
To sneer or deride. More literary or dramatic.
To provoke or playfully arouse someone sexually without intending immediate satisfaction.
To tantalize or keep someone in suspense, often used in romantic/sexual contexts. Implies deliberate provocation.
She likes to tease him (sexually).
To tempt or seduce. Broader than just teasing, but can be used for flirtatious provocation.
She teased him with her gaze.
To gently persuade someone to reveal something or to elicit a response through subtle provocation.
To backcomb or fluff hair to add volume.
Literally 'to raise the hair against the grain', the standard term for backcombing or teasing hair.
She teased her hair to give it volume.
Loanword from English, used in hair styling contexts. Common among professionals.
The stylist teased the hair.
While からかう can be used for light teasing, it is not strong enough for serious bullying. Use いじめる for persistent harassment.
Both mean playful teasing, but いじる often focuses on a specific trait or habit, while からかう is more general. いじる can sometimes feel more intrusive if overdone.
彼は私の意見を馬鹿にした。
He teased/mocked my opinion.
The crowd jeered at him.
彼は秘密を聞き出そうとした。
He tried to tease the secret out of her.