travesuras
/tɾabesuɾas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "naughty things" is translated into Spanish as travesuras.
travesuras refers to playful or mischievous behaviors, typically associated with children. To express the act of being naughty or playing pranks, you typically use the verb hacer (to do/make) with this word, creating the phrase hacer travesuras.
Which one should you use?
travesuras refers to playful, mischievous behavior. It is distinct from maldades, which implies more malicious or harmful behavior.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is travesura, while the plural form is travesuras.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɾabesuɾas/
Did you know?
- While travesuras describes children, adults use the word travesura as a playful euphemism for sexual mischief or flirtation.
- The root travieso shares an ancient connection with the word travesar, meaning to cross or go across, suggesting a child who wanders where they should not.
- You might hear the expression ¡Qué travesura! used as an exclamation of mock surprise, much like an English speaker might say 'What a rascal!' when seeing a pet or a child acting up.
Examples in context
- Mi amigo es un auténtico bromista, siempre hace chistes subidos de tono.My friend is a real joker, he always makes risqué jokes.
- Estoy muy cachondo/a hoy, ¿a ti te pasa lo mismo?I'm feeling very horny today, do you feel the same?
- Estoy caliente, ¿y tú?I'm horny, and you?
- Me gusta echar los perros a la gente que me interesa, ¿y tú?I like to flirt with people I'm interested in, and you?
- Los niños siempre hacen travesuras.Children are always doing naughty things.
- No quiero que hagas más travesuras.I don't want you to do any more naughty things.
Example conversation
Javier and María are talking about their son's behavior at home.
- Javier¿Qué hizo el niño hoy?What did the boy do today?
- MaríaHizo muchas travesuras en el jardín.He did many naughty things in the garden.
- Javier¡Es un pequeño travieso!He is a little rascal!
- MaríaSí, pero nos hace reír.Yes, but he makes us laugh.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry travesuras, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
