Japanese word

いたずら

Pronunciation

Romajiitazura

Meaning

  • nounmischief, prank

Example

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.

Illustration for いたずら (mischief)

More examples

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.

Core concept

Describes playful behavior that causes small trouble without serious intent.

Common phrases

  • いたずらをするi ta zu ra o su ru

    get into mischief

  • いたずらを仕掛けるi ta zu ra o shi ka ke ru

    play a prank

Similar words

悪さwarusa: An act that causes trouble through disobedient or playful behavior.
悪ふざけwarufuzake: Joking behavior that goes too far and bothers or disrupts others.

Definition in Japanese

悪意なく人を困らせるような、ふざけた行為。aku i na ku hito o koma ra se ru yō na fu za ke ta kō i

Word origin

The native Japanese word いたずら (itazura) was associated with 徒ら (itazura, "idle" or "useless") in older writing, and its sense later shifted toward playful troublemaking.

Usage tips

  • 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).

Opposites

  • 善行zenkōgood deednoun

Related words

  • いたずらっ子itazurakkomischievous childnoun
  • いたずらっぽいitazurappoimischievousi-adjective
  • いたずら者itazuramonopranksternoun

Word lists with this word