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.
彼はいつも私のことをからかう。
He always teases me.
からかわないでよ！
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.
友達に髪型をいじられた。
My friends teased me about my hairstyle.
Literally 'to meddle', used for teasing that involves minor physical pestering or playful interference.
弟が猫にちょっかいを出している。
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.
彼は学校でいじめられている。
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.
彼女は彼を焦らすのが好きだ。
She likes to tease him (sexually).
To tempt or seduce. Broader than just teasing, but can be used for flirtatious provocation.
彼女は視線で彼を誘惑した。
She teased him with her gaze.
To gently persuade someone to reveal something or to elicit a response through subtle provocation.
To draw out (information, a smile, etc.). Often used when you coax something from someone.
彼女から本音を引き出そうとした。
I tried to tease out her true feelings.
To elicit information by asking skillfully. More focused on verbal extraction.
To backcomb or fluff hair to add volume.
Literally 'to raise the hair against the grain', the standard term for backcombing or teasing hair.
彼女は髪に逆毛を立ててボリュームを出した。
She teased her hair to give it volume.
Loanword from English, used in hair styling contexts. Common among professionals.
美容師が髪をティージングした。
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.
群衆は彼を嘲笑った。
The crowd jeered at him.
He tried to tease the secret out of her.