わんぱくな
wanpaku-na
The English word "mischievous" can be translated into Japanese using several terms depending on the context. The default form is わんぱくな (wanpaku-na). Wiktionary also lists いたずらな (itazura-na) and やんちゃな (yancha-na).
Meaning: naughty (adj)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| わんぱくな | wanpaku-na |
| いたずらな | itazura-na |
| やんちゃな | yancha-na |
| 行儀が悪い | gyōgi-ga warui |
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the specific nuance of the mischief. わんぱくな describes a child who is full of energy and a bit unruly, often in a way that is seen as healthy or spirited. いたずらな specifically emphasizes the act of playing tricks or performing small-scale mischief/pranks. やんちゃな is often used to describe a child (often a boy) who is rambunctious or a bit of a handful. 行儀が悪い is more critical and focuses on a lack of manners or proper etiquette rather than playful mischief.
How do you pronounce it?
wanpaku-na
Did you know?
- The word いたずら (itazura) can mean much more than just a 'prank'. In certain historical or literary contexts, it can refer to 'evil deeds' or 'wickedness', carrying a much heavier weight than the modern playful sense.
- The term わんぱく was originally used to describe a child who was so energetic and unruly that they were considered 'tough' or 'hardy'.
- While わんぱく is generally positive, using 行儀が悪い to describe a child's mischief is a social critique of their upbringing and parents.
Examples in context
- 彼のいたずらは笑いを誘います。His mischievousness invites laughter.
- わんぱくな男の子ですね。Wanpaku na otokonoko desu ne.He is a mischievous boy, isn't he?
- わんぱくな犬が走っています。Wanpaku na inu ga hashitte imasu.A mischievous dog is running.
- あの子はとてもわんぱくな子供です。Ano ko wa totemo wanpaku na kodomo desu.That child is a very mischievous kid.
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are talking about Ren's younger brother.
- 美咲 Misaki弟さんは今でもわんぱくなんですか？Otōto-san wa ima demo wanpaku nan desu ka?Is your younger brother still mischievous?
- 蓮 Renはい、毎日家中を走り回っています。Hai, mainichi ienaka o hashirimawatte imasu.Yes, he runs around the house every day.
- 美咲 Misakiそれは大変そうですね。Sore wa taihen sō desu ne.That sounds like a handful.
- 蓮 Renでも、とても可愛いですよ。Demo, totemo kawaii desu yo.But he is very cute.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mischievous” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
