When using 调皮 (tiáopí), it usually describes a child or a small animal that is playful, a little bit disobedient, but in a cute and endearing way. It's not typically used for serious misbehavior.
For example, you might say a child is 调皮 if they hide and jump out to surprise you, or if they draw on the walls in crayon. It carries a sense of lighthearted naughtiness rather than malicious intent.
调皮 in 30 Sekunden
- Describes naughty or mischievous behavior.
- Commonly used for children or pets.
- Often implies a playful rather than malicious intent.
§ Understanding 调皮 (tiáopí)
- Definition
- Naughty; mischievous.
Alright, let's break down how to use 调皮 (tiáopí). It’s an adjective, which means it describes a noun. Think of it like saying 'naughty boy' or 'mischievous behavior' in English. It generally refers to children or sometimes pets, describing their playful but slightly disobedient actions. You wouldn't usually use it for an adult in a serious context unless you’re being sarcastic or metaphorical.
§ Basic Sentence Structure
The most straightforward way to use 调皮 (tiáopí) is directly before a noun, or after a linking verb like 是 (shì - to be) or 看起来 (kànqǐlái - to look like).
Subject + 是 (shì) + 调皮 (tiáopí)
他很调皮。
Tā hěn tiáopí. (He is very naughty.)
Subject + 看起来 (kànqǐlái) + 调皮 (tiáopí)
这只猫看起来有点儿调皮。
Zhè zhī māo kànqǐlái yǒudiǎnr tiáopí. (This cat looks a bit mischievous.)
调皮 (tiáopí) + 的 (de) + Noun
那个调皮的孩子又跑出去了。
Nàgè tiáopí de háizi yòu páochūqù le. (That mischievous child ran out again.)
§ Common Prepositions and Adverbs
You'll often find 调皮 (tiáopí) paired with adverbs to indicate the degree of naughtiness, or sometimes with prepositions to describe *how* someone is naughty.
很 (hěn - very), 有点儿 (yǒudiǎnr - a bit), 非常 (fēicháng - extremely)
她的弟弟非常调皮，总是喜欢恶作剧。
Tā de dìdi fēicháng tiáopí, zǒng shì xǐhuān èzuòjù. (Her younger brother is extremely naughty, always likes to play pranks.)
对 (duì - to/towards) + Noun (This describes *who* the naughtiness is directed at.)
他虽然调皮，但是对小动物很好。
Tā suīrán tiáopí, dànshì duì xiǎo dòngwù hěn hǎo. (Although he is mischievous, he is very kind to small animals.)
§ Context and Nuances
Remember, context is key. 调皮 (tiáopí) often implies a sense of lively energy and a bit of a challenge to rules, but usually without ill intent. It's the kind of naughtiness that makes you smile, even if it's a little annoying.
小狗很调皮，总是喜欢咬鞋子。
Xiǎo gǒu hěn tiáopí, zǒng shì xǐhuān yǎo xiézi. (The puppy is very mischievous, always likes to chew shoes.)
别看他平时那么调皮，做起功课来还是很认真的。
Bié kàn tā píngshí nàme tiáopí, zuò qǐ gōngkè lái hái shì hěn rènzhēn de. (Don't think he's so mischievous normally; when it comes to homework, he's still very serious.)
Practice using 调皮 (tiáopí) in sentences describing children or animals you know. The more you use it, the more natural it will feel.
Wichtige Grammatik
调皮 (tiáopí) can be used to describe children, pets, or even adults acting in a playful, naughty way.
我的小狗很调皮，总是藏我的袜子。 (My little dog is very naughty, always hiding my socks.)
It can be used directly before a noun, or after a verb like '是' (shì - to be) or '显得' (xiǎnde - to appear/seem).
他是个调皮的孩子。 (He is a naughty child.) / 他很调皮。 (He is very naughty.)
You can use degree adverbs like '很' (hěn - very), '特别' (tèbié - especially), or '有点儿' (yǒudiǎnr - a little bit) before 调皮 to intensify or soften its meaning.
这只猫有点儿调皮。 (This cat is a little bit mischievous.)
When asking about someone's behavior, you can use 调皮 in a question.
你的孩子调皮吗？ (Is your child naughty?)
It often carries a lighthearted, affectionate connotation, suggesting that the naughtiness is more playful than malicious.
她调皮地笑了。 (She smiled mischievously.)
Beispiele nach Niveau
这个孩子真调皮，总是喜欢恶作剧。
This child is really naughty, always fond of playing pranks.
我的猫很调皮，经常把东西从桌子上推下去。
My cat is very mischievous, often pushing things off the table.
他小时候很调皮，常常让老师头疼。
He was very mischievous as a child, often giving teachers headaches.
别看他平时很安静，其实调皮得很。
Don't think he's usually quiet, he's actually very naughty.
那只小狗非常调皮，总是喜欢咬拖鞋。
That puppy is very mischievous, always likes to bite slippers.
她的弟弟很调皮，经常藏她的玩具。
Her younger brother is very naughty, often hiding her toys.
孩子们在公园里玩得非常调皮，满身是泥。
The children were playing very mischievously in the park, covered in mud.
虽然他有点调皮，但是心地善良。
Although he is a bit naughty, he has a kind heart.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Describing a naughty child
- 这个孩子很调皮。
- The child is very naughty.
- 他从小就调皮。
- He has been mischievous since he was a child.
- 别调皮了！
- Don't be naughty!
Referring to a playful pet
- 我的猫很调皮，总是喜欢藏东西。
- My cat is very mischievous, always likes to hide things.
- 这只小狗真调皮，又把我的鞋叼走了。
- This little puppy is really naughty, it took my shoe again.
Describing playful or teasing behavior (often endearing)
- 你太调皮了，总是开玩笑。
- You're too mischievous, always joking around.
- 他调皮地笑了笑。
- He smiled mischievously.
Warning someone about misbehavior
- 如果你再调皮，我就要生气了。
- If you're naughty again, I'll be angry.
- 不要调皮捣蛋！
- Don't be naughty and make trouble!
Reflecting on past mischievousness
- 我小时候很调皮，经常爬树。
- When I was little, I was very mischievous, often climbing trees.
- 我们年轻的时候都挺调皮的。
- We were all quite mischievous when we were young.
Gesprächseinstiege
"你觉得小孩子调皮是好是坏？"
"你见过最调皮的小动物是什么？"
"你小时候是个调皮的孩子吗？能讲个故事吗？"
"在你的文化中，人们怎么看待孩子的调皮行为？"
"你认为什么行为可以被称为“调皮”？"
Tagebuch-Impulse
描述一次你看到有人调皮的经历。
写一篇关于你小时候最调皮的回忆。
想象一下，如果你有一个非常调皮的宠物，你会怎么和它相处？
思考一下，调皮和叛逆有什么区别？
写下你认为“调皮”这个词最适合用来形容的人或事。
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The puppy is very mischievous.
This child is a bit naughty.
Don't be naughty!
Read this aloud:
他很调皮吗？
Focus: 调皮 (tiáo pí)
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我的猫很调皮。
Focus: 调皮 (tiáo pí)
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
你喜欢调皮的孩子吗？
Focus: 调皮 (tiáo pí)
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Choose the sentence where "调皮" is used correctly.
"调皮" describes someone or something playful and a bit naughty. A cat playing with yarn fits this description.
Which of these words has a similar meaning to "调皮"?
淘气 (táoqì) is a synonym for 调皮 (tiáopí), both meaning naughty or mischievous.
Complete the sentence: 小孩子总是很___，喜欢跑来跑去。
Children who like to run around are often described as naughty or mischievous, so 调皮 fits best.
A student who always studies hard and finishes homework on time can be described as "调皮".
"调皮" means naughty or mischievous. A diligent student would be the opposite.
If someone says their dog is "调皮", it means the dog is well-behaved and calm.
If a dog is "调皮", it means it's mischievous or naughty, not well-behaved and calm.
When a child plays a small trick on their parents, you can say the child is being "调皮".
Playing small tricks is a typical behavior of a mischievous or naughty child, which is what "调皮" describes.
这个孩子太___了，总是搞恶作剧。
The sentence describes a child who is always playing pranks, which aligns with the meaning of '调皮' (naughty/mischievous).
小猫很___，喜欢追着自己的尾巴玩。
The action of chasing its own tail suggests a playful and mischievous nature, making '调皮' a suitable fit.
虽然他很___，但心地善良。
The sentence indicates a contrast: despite being mischievous, the person has a kind heart. '调皮' fits this description.
老师说，上课时不要___，要认真听讲。
Teachers usually tell students not to be mischievous or play around during class, but to listen attentively. '调皮' fits this context.
邻居家的狗非常___，经常偷偷跑出去玩。
A dog that secretly runs out to play shows a mischievous and disobedient character, which '调皮' describes well.
他小时候很___，常常让父母头疼。
If a child often gives their parents headaches, it implies they were naughty or mischievous. '调皮' is the correct choice here.
Xiaoming is always so naughty, making the teacher love and hate him.
That kitten is very mischievous, likes to hide things around the house.
Although he seems very serious, sometimes he also shows a mischievous side.
Read this aloud:
这个孩子太调皮了，整天跑来跑去，一刻也停不下来。
Focus: 调皮 (diáo pí)
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
他小时候很调皮，经常爬树掏鸟窝。
Focus: 掏鸟窝 (tāo niǎo wō)
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
别看他年纪小，鬼点子可多了，真是个调皮的小家伙。
Focus: 鬼点子 (guǐ diǎn zi)
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The speaker is describing someone's childhood behavior.
The sentence contrasts someone's usual demeanor with their mischievous side.
The speaker is complaining about a pet's playful behavior.
Read this aloud:
这个孩子真调皮，喜欢藏别人的东西。
Focus: tiáo pí
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
尽管他有时很调皮，但他心地善良。
Focus: jǐn guǎn tā yǒu shí hěn tiáo pí dàn shì tā xīn dì shàn liáng
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
你小时候做过什么调皮的事情吗？
Focus: nǐ xiǎo shí hòu zuò guò shén me tiáo pí de shì qíng ma
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe a time you or someone you know behaved mischievously. How did it turn out?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我记得小时候，有一次我和我的表弟非常调皮。我们在奶奶家偷偷地把所有的糖果都藏了起来，然后假装不知道它们去了哪里。奶奶找了很久，最后才在沙发垫下发现。虽然当时被批评了，但现在回想起来，那真是一段调皮又有趣的经历。
Imagine you are writing a children's story. Create a short paragraph describing a mischievous animal character using '调皮'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
森林里有一只非常调皮的小猴子，名叫奇奇。它最喜欢做的事情就是趁大家不注意的时候，偷偷地拿走别人的食物，然后跑到树顶上大吃一顿。奇奇的调皮常常让大家又好气又好笑，但它总是能用它那双滴溜溜的眼睛和无辜的表情，让大家原谅它。
Write a short dialogue between two parents discussing their child's mischievous behavior. Include the word '调皮'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
妈妈：你看，小明又把客厅弄得一团糟了。他今天怎么这么调皮？ 爸爸：是啊，他把我的文件也当成纸飞机扔了。我们得好好跟他谈谈了。 妈妈：我觉得他可能只是精力太旺盛了，需要更多的户外活动。 爸爸：也许吧，但他的调皮劲儿也确实需要引导一下。
根据短文，小狗乐乐的什么行为体现了它的“调皮”？
Read this passage:
小狗乐乐天生就比较调皮，它喜欢在家里跑来跑去，把主人的鞋子藏起来，或者偷偷地咬沙发垫。尽管乐乐经常给主人带来一些“小麻烦”，但它每次都会用无辜的眼神看着主人，让人生不起气来。主人也常常笑着说：“这小家伙，真是个调皮鬼！”
根据短文，小狗乐乐的什么行为体现了它的“调皮”？
短文明确提到乐乐喜欢“把主人的鞋子藏起来，或者偷偷地咬沙发垫”，这都体现了它的调皮。
短文明确提到乐乐喜欢“把主人的鞋子藏起来，或者偷偷地咬沙发垫”，这都体现了它的调皮。
文章中提到，家长们通常如何看待孩子的“调皮”？
Read this passage:
很多家长在谈论自己的孩子时，常常会用“调皮”来形容那些活泼好动、好奇心强、喜欢恶作剧的孩子。这种“调皮”往往并非贬义，反而带着一丝宠溺。他们认为，适当的调皮是孩子天性的表现，有助于孩子探索世界和发展个性。
文章中提到，家长们通常如何看待孩子的“调皮”？
文章中写道：“这种‘调皮’往往并非贬义，反而带着一丝宠溺。他们认为，适当的调皮是孩子天性的表现。”
文章中写道：“这种‘调皮’往往并非贬义，反而带着一丝宠溺。他们认为，适当的调皮是孩子天性的表现。”
老师对于杰克的“调皮”持有什么态度？
Read this passage:
杰克是一个在课堂上总爱搞小动作的男生，一会儿和同桌传纸条，一会儿又在课本上画画。老师虽然知道他很调皮，但发现他每次都能在考试中取得好成绩。老师认为，杰克的调皮可能只是他精力过剩的一种表现，如果能正确引导，他的这份活力会成为他学习的动力。
老师对于杰克的“调皮”持有什么态度？
文章中提到：“老师虽然知道他很调皮，但发现他每次都能在考试中取得好成绩。老师认为，杰克的调皮可能只是他精力过剩的一种表现，如果能正确引导，他的这份活力会成为他学习的动力。”
文章中提到：“老师虽然知道他很调皮，但发现他每次都能在考试中取得好成绩。老师认为，杰克的调皮可能只是他精力过剩的一种表现，如果能正确引导，他的这份活力会成为他学习的动力。”
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Summary
调皮 is a common and useful word for describing playful naughtiness in kids and animals.
- Describes naughty or mischievous behavior.
- Commonly used for children or pets.
- Often implies a playful rather than malicious intent.
