Japanese Conversation · Level 18
90 words
Japanese word
ふざける
Pronunciation
Romajifuzakeru
Meaning
- verbact silly
Example
みんなでふざけて笑います。mi n na de fu za ke te wara i ma su
We all act silly and laugh.
More examples
彼は緊張すると、いつもふざけます。kare wa kin chō su ru to i tsu mo fu za ke ma su
When he gets nervous, he always acts silly.
Core concept
Centers on setting aside seriousness and acting playfully or foolishly for amusement.
Common phrases
ふざけるなfu za ke ru na
don't be silly
ふざけないでfu za ke na i de
don't fool around
Similar words
おどけるodokeru: To act in a funny way to make people laugh.
じゃれるjareru: To play around in a lighthearted way with someone or something.
からかうkarakau: To make fun of someone through playful or mocking remarks.
Definition in Japanese
おどけた態度を取ったり、冗談を言ったりして、まじめさを欠いた行動をする。o do ke ta tai do o to tta ri jō dan o i tta ri shi te ma ji me sa o ka i ta kō dō o su ru
Word origin
The verb ふざける (fuzakeru) comes from the older Japanese verb ふざく (fuzaku), which already expressed playful or unserious behavior, although the word's earlier source is uncertain.
Usage tips
- The same word can describe friendly joking or criticize behavior that is inappropriate for a serious situation.
Other meanings
- joke aroundverb
- goof aroundverb
Opposites
- まじめmajimeseriousna-adjective
Related words
- ふざけfuzakefooling aroundnoun
- ふざけ者fuzakeshajokernoun