Ways to say it
| Italian | Note |
|---|---|
| piantagrane | masculine |
| casinista | |
| combinaguai |
Italian has several ways to describe someone who causes trouble, depending on their intent and the type of trouble. Use piantagrane for someone who deliberately sows discord. If you want to describe a mischievous person who enjoys causing a little trouble, you can use birichino. For someone who ruins plans, events or general enjoyment, the term guastafeste (equivalent to "party pooper") is appropriate.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the nature of the trouble being caused. piantagrane implies someone who is deliberately causing discord. In contrast, casinista refers to someone who creates a mess, noise or general chaos. If the trouble is caused by clumsiness or accidental mishaps rather than malice, use combinaguai.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While piantagrane is a standard term, casinista is more colloquial and informal. The terms birichino and guastafeste are also used in informal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word piantagrane is invariable, meaning it does not change its ending when used in the plural form.
Did you know?
- If you call someone a piantagrane, you are metaphorically accusing them of 'planting' seeds of discord to make them grow.
- The word casinista comes from casino, which in modern Italian means 'a mess' or 'chaos' but originally referred to a small country house.
- The term birichino is often used affectionately for children, transforming the idea of a 'troublemaker' into something endearing and cute.
Examples in context
- Lei è un piantagrane.You are a troublemaker.This sentence is useful for addressing someone directly as a troublemaker.Tatoeba #4738933 by Guybrush88, translation #237614 by CK
- Tom è un piantagrane.Tom is a troublemaker.This sentence is useful for identifying a specific person as a troublemaker.Tatoeba #5526376 by Guybrush88, translation #2272884 by CK
- È un piantagrane.He's a troublemaker.This sentence is useful for describing a male as a troublemaker.Tatoeba #4738932 by Guybrush88, translation #10112483 by ddnktr
- Mario è un vero birichino! Non smette mai di combinare guai!Mario is a real troublemaker! He never stops causing trouble!
- Non invitate Marco alla riunione di lavoro, è un casinaro e potrebbe disturbare l'armonia.Don't invite Marco to the work meeting. He's a troublemaker and could disrupt the harmony.
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Giulia are discussing their difficult neighbor.
- LorenzoIl vicino è un piantagrane.The neighbor is a troublemaker.
- GiuliaSì, Lorenzo, è molto fastidioso.Yes, Lorenzo, he is very annoying.
- LorenzoCrea sempre problemi a tutti.He always causes problems for everyone.
- GiuliaHai ragione, è un vero piantagrane.You're right, he is a real troublemaker.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “troublemaker” translations and entries piantagrane, casinista, combinaguai, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries casinista, combinaguai, piantagrane, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
