调皮 describes a playful, mischievous, and energetic nature, often used affectionately for children.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe naughty but cute behavior in children.
- Often implies high energy and a playful, mischievous nature.
- Commonly used by adults to express affectionate exasperation.
用法模式：该词通常作定语或谓语。例如，“他是个调皮的孩子”（定语）或“这个小猫真调皮”（谓语）。它经常与表示程度的副词连用，如“非常调皮”、“有点调皮”。
- 1常见语境：在家庭中，父母说孩子调皮通常是带着笑意的责备；在学校里，老师如果评价学生调皮，可能指该学生上课好动、爱插嘴，但并不代表品行恶劣。此外，它也可以用来形容某些设计或艺术风格带有俏皮、出人意料的趣味。
Examples
这个孩子真调皮。
everydayThis child is really naughty.
老师批评他太调皮了。
formalThe teacher criticized him for being too mischievous.
别调皮了，快去写作业。
informalStop messing around and go do your homework.
小猫调皮地跳上了桌子。
academicThe kitten playfully jumped onto the table.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
调皮捣蛋
Mischievous and causing trouble
真是个调皮鬼
What a little rascal
别调皮了
Stop being naughty
Often Confused With
Very similar in meaning, but '淘气' is often used for younger children and sounds slightly softer.
Implies a more deliberate attempt to cause trouble or ruin plans, whereas '调皮' is mostly about playing.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '调皮' in informal or semi-formal settings. It is rarely used in professional business communication. When addressing adults, use it only if you have a very close, teasing relationship.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use '调皮' to describe serious bad behavior, which is incorrect. It should not be used as a synonym for 'evil' or 'malicious'. Also, avoid using it as a compliment for professional settings.
Tips
Use it for playful children
When you see a child playing around in a slightly annoying but cute way, '调皮' is the perfect word to use.
Avoid using for serious misconduct
Do not use this word for serious bad behavior or illegal acts, as it makes the situation sound too light.
Cultural nuance of affection
In Chinese culture, calling someone '调皮' often creates an immediate emotional connection, showing that you are familiar enough to joke with them.
Word Origin
The word combines '调' (to play/tease) and '皮' (skin/naughty). It historically refers to someone who is physically active and hard to control, like a restless skin.
Cultural Context
In China, calling a child '调皮' is often a way to acknowledge their intelligence and energy. It is a common cultural trope that 'naughty children are often the smartest'.
Memory Tip
Think of a '调' (tune) that is '皮' (playful/naughty). A child who plays their own tune instead of listening is '调皮'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions它不是绝对的贬义词。在大多数语境下，它带有长辈对晚辈的宠溺感，是一种温和的批评。
可以，但较少见。形容成年人时，通常指对方性格幽默、喜欢开玩笑，或者举止带有孩子气。
“调皮”是指爱玩、不听话，没有恶意；而“坏”通常指品德不好或有故意伤害他人的意图，性质完全不同。
可以说他“活泼”、“聪明”或者“有灵气”，这些词比“调皮”更具褒义色彩。
Test Yourself
那个小男孩太___了，把家里的花瓶都打碎了。
根据语境，打碎花瓶是一种淘气的行为，因此用“调皮”最合适。
下列哪个词可以替换“调皮”？
“顽皮”和“调皮”都表示好动、爱玩，是同义词。
调皮 / 弟弟 / 很 / 的 / 是 / 我
正确的语序是主语+谓语+程度副词+形容词。
Score: /3
Summary
调皮 describes a playful, mischievous, and energetic nature, often used affectionately for children.
- Used to describe naughty but cute behavior in children.
- Often implies high energy and a playful, mischievous nature.
- Commonly used by adults to express affectionate exasperation.
Use it for playful children
When you see a child playing around in a slightly annoying but cute way, '调皮' is the perfect word to use.
Avoid using for serious misconduct
Do not use this word for serious bad behavior or illegal acts, as it makes the situation sound too light.
Cultural nuance of affection
In Chinese culture, calling someone '调皮' often creates an immediate emotional connection, showing that you are familiar enough to joke with them.
Examples
4 of 4这个孩子真调皮。
This child is really naughty.
老师批评他太调皮了。
The teacher criticized him for being too mischievous.
别调皮了，快去写作业。
Stop messing around and go do your homework.
小猫调皮地跳上了桌子。
The kitten playfully jumped onto the table.
