When we describe someone, especially a child or an animal, as being a bit naughty or full of playful tricks, the word you're looking for is 顽皮 (wán pí).
It's often used in a lighthearted way to describe someone who likes to tease, play pranks, or doesn't always follow the rules, but in a charming rather than harmful way. Think of a cheeky monkey or a kid who hides your keys for fun.
You wouldn't use 顽皮 for serious misbehavior, but rather for actions that are more annoying or inconvenient than truly bad. It implies a certain liveliness and playfulness.
When we describe someone or something as 顽皮 (wánpí), we mean they are mischievous or naughty. This word is often used for children or animals that are playful and a little bit disobedient in a charming way.
For example, a child who likes to hide and jump out to surprise you could be called 顽皮. It generally carries a lighthearted connotation, suggesting that the naughtiness isn't seriously bad.
When we describe someone or something as 顽皮 (wánpí), we're saying they're mischievous or naughty. It's often used for children, pets, or even inanimate objects that cause playful trouble. Think of a child who loves to play pranks, or a kitten that keeps unraveling your yarn.
It's generally a lighthearted term, implying playful mischief rather than malicious intent. While a 顽皮 child might make a mess, they aren't trying to harm anyone. You'll often hear it used with a fond or even exasperated tone.
Exemples par niveau
这个孩子天生顽皮，总是喜欢恶作剧。
This child is naturally mischievous, always fond of pranks.
天生 (tiānshēng) means 'born with; inherent'.
他小时候非常顽皮，经常把老师气得哭笑不得。
He was very naughty as a child, often making his teachers not know whether to laugh or cry.
哭笑不得 (kūxiàobùdé) is an idiom meaning 'not know whether to laugh or cry; to be in an awkward predicament'.
那只小猫太顽皮了，把线团弄得一团糟。
That kitten is too mischievous, it made the ball of yarn a complete mess.
一团糟 (yītuánzāo) means 'a complete mess; in a state of chaos'.
别看他平时有点顽皮，但关键时刻还是很靠谱的。
Don't think he's a bit mischievous usually, but he's quite reliable at critical moments.
别看 (biékàn) means 'don't think; despite'.
他顽皮地吐了吐舌头，然后跑开了。
He mischievously stuck out his tongue, then ran away.
吐了吐舌头 (tǔletǔshétou) means 'stuck out his tongue (a couple of times)'.
孩子们在院子里顽皮地追逐嬉闹。
The children were mischievously chasing and playing in the yard.
追逐嬉闹 (zhuīzhúxīnào) means 'to chase and frolic'.
老师对那个顽皮的学生真是又爱又恨。
The teacher truly has mixed feelings of love and hate for that mischievous student.
又爱又恨 (yòu'àiyòuhèn) means 'to love and hate simultaneously; mixed feelings'.
尽管他有时顽皮，但心地善良，所以大家都喜欢他。
Although he is sometimes mischievous, he has a kind heart, so everyone likes him.
尽管 (jǐnguǎn) means 'even though; despite'.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsBoth 顽皮 (wánpí) and 淘气 (táoqì) mean mischievous or naughty, and they are often interchangeable. However, 顽皮 (wánpí) can sometimes imply a more playful or harmless naughtiness, while 淘气 (táoqì) might lean slightly more towards playful mischief that could be a bit more annoying or disruptive. Think of 顽皮 as a bit more innocent fun, and 淘气 as a bit more cheeky. For most learners, you can use them pretty interchangeably for kids who are being a bit naughty.
While 顽皮 (wánpí) is most commonly used for children, you can occasionally use it for adults if their behavior is childlike in its mischief or naughtiness. For example, if an adult is playfully teasing someone in a very innocent way, you might describe them as 顽皮. But generally, stick to describing children as 顽皮.
You can say 顽皮的孩子 (wánpí de háizi). Here, 孩子 (háizi) means child. For example: 那个顽皮的孩子 (nà ge wánpí de háizi) - That mischievous child.
It's generally more neutral to slightly negative, depending on the context and degree of naughtiness. When describing a child, it often has a playful connotation and isn't usually seen as severely negative. It implies spiritedness more than malice. However, if the mischief goes too far, it can definitely be negative.
Think of the character 顽 (wán) as 'stubborn' or 'playful,' and 皮 (pí) as 'skin' or 'hide.' So, a 'playful skin' or 'stubborn hide' could evoke the image of a child who is tough to control and full of playful mischief. You could also visualize a 'naughty' child doing something that makes you want to 'peel' them off the furniture (a bit silly, but memorable!).
While 顽皮 isn't heavily featured in many complex idioms, you'll often hear it in simple descriptive phrases like 顽皮的孩子 (wánpí de háizi - mischievous child) or 顽皮的笑容 (wánpí de xiàoróng - mischievous smile). It's quite a straightforward adjective.
Yes, you can absolutely use it for pets! For example: 我的猫很顽皮 (wǒ de māo hěn wánpí). This means 'My cat is very mischievous.' Or: 这只小狗很顽皮，总是喜欢玩球 (zhè zhī xiǎogǒu hěn wánpí, zǒng shì xǐhuān wán qiú). This means 'This puppy is very naughty, always likes to play with the ball.'
It primarily describes a person or animal (or sometimes an object that behaves naughtily, like a 'mischievous' wind). You wouldn't typically say 'a 顽皮 action.' Instead, you'd say 'a mischievous action' using a different word or phrase, or simply say the person/animal did something 顽皮.
Good question! There isn't one perfect opposite, as it depends on the nuance you want. Some possibilities include: 听话 (tīnghuà) - obedient; 乖 (guāi) - well-behaved, docile; 懂事 (dǒngshì) - sensible, understanding. So, if a child is not 顽皮, they might be 听话 or 乖.
Both 顽皮 (wánpí) and 调皮 (tiáopí) mean naughty or mischievous and are often interchangeable, especially when talking about children. If there's a subtle difference, 调皮 (tiáopí) might sometimes imply a slightly more active or deliberate mischief, while 顽皮 (wánpí) can sometimes feel a bit more inherent to their nature. But honestly, for most daily use, you can use either for 'naughty children.'
Teste-toi 12 questions
This sentence means 'That child is very mischievous.' The structure is 'Subject + 很 (very) + Adjective'.
This sentence means 'His puppy is very naughty.' The structure is 'Possessive + Noun + 非常 (very) + Adjective'.
This sentence means 'Don't be too naughty.' '不要 (bùyào)' means 'don't', and '太 (tài)' means 'too'.
Choose the sentence where "顽皮" is used correctly.
“顽皮” describes a person, especially a child, who is mischievous or naughty. It doesn't apply to shoes, homework, or playing the piano in this way.
Which of the following best describes a "顽皮" child?
“顽皮” specifically refers to being mischievous or naughty, often in a playful way, which aligns with playing pranks and teasing.
What is the opposite of "顽皮" in the context of a child's behavior?
A mischievous or naughty child is often not obedient, so 'obedient' is the best opposite.
“顽皮” can be used to describe an adult who is behaving mischievously in a lighthearted way.
While primarily used for children, “顽皮” can occasionally describe an adult's playful mischief, especially if it's lighthearted and not malicious.
If someone is described as "顽皮", it always means they are doing something harmful.
“顽皮” implies mischievousness or naughtiness, which is usually playful and not inherently harmful, though it can sometimes lead to minor trouble.
The sentence "这只小猫很顽皮，总是跳上桌子玩。" (This kitten is very mischievous, always jumping on the table to play.) uses "顽皮" correctly.
“顽皮” can be used to describe animals that are playful and a bit naughty, just like a kitten jumping on a table.
/ 12 correct
Perfect score!
Exemple
那只小猫很顽皮，总喜欢玩毛线球。
