Korean word

장난

Pronunciation

Romanizationchangnan

Meaning

  • nounmischief

Example

그 아이가 또 장난을 쳤다.keu a i ga tto chang na neul cheot tta

That child got into mischief again.

Illustration for 장난 (mischief)

More examples

그 발언은 장난으로 한 말이었다.keu pa reo neun chang na neu ro han ma ri eot tta

That statement was made as a joke.

Core concept

Someone playfully crosses a small boundary to make another person laugh or react.

Common phrases

  • 장난을 치다chang na neul chi da

    play a prank

  • 장난 전화chang nan cheon hwa

    prank call

  • 장난으로chang na neu ro

    as a joke

Similar words

농담nongdam: A lighthearted spoken remark meant to make people laugh.
놀림nollim: Teasing that makes another person the focus of laughter.
장난질changnanjil: Mischievous fooling around done for fun.

Definition in Korean

재미나 관심을 끌기 위해 상대를 장난스럽게 놀리거나 약간 속이는 행위나 표현을 가리키는 말.chae mi na kwan si meul kkeul gi wi hae sang dae reul chang nan seu reop kke nol li geo na yak kkan so gi neun haeng wi na pyo hyeo neul ka ri ki neun mal

Word origin

The exact origin of 장난 (jangnan, "mischief") is uncertain, but it is a long-established native Korean word whose everyday meaning provides the clearest learning link.

Usage tips

  • The same act can feel warm between close people or rude between strangers, making the relationship and tone especially important with this word.

Other meanings

  • jokenoun
  • teasingnoun

Opposites

  • 진지함chinjihamseriousnessnoun
  • 심각함simgakamseveritynoun

Related words

  • 장난치다changnanchidaplay a prankverb
  • 장난꾸러기changnankkureogipranksternoun
  • 장난감changnangamtoynoun

Word lists with this word