English–Japanese

“mischief” in Japanese

Japanese

Also悪さ (warusa)

Romajiitazura

弟はよくいたずらをします。otōto wa yo ku i ta zu ra o shi ma su

My younger brother often gets into mischief.

“Mischief” in Japanese is いたずら (itazura). いたずら can also mean “prank”.

Describes playful behavior that causes small trouble without serious intent.

友だちにいたずらをしました。tomo da chi ni i ta zu ra o shi ma shi ta

I played a prank on my friend.

猫のいたずらで、鉢植えが倒れました。neko no i ta zu ra de hachi u e ga tao re ma shi ta

The potted plant fell over because of the cat's mischief.

In everyday English, mischief is usually uncountable, while a single practical joke is a prank, a useful distinction when translating いたずら (itazura).

warusa

nounmischief

弟の悪さに困っています。otōto no waru sa ni koma tte i ma su

I am having trouble with my younger brother's mischief.