调皮

• Pinyin: tiáo pí
• Hanzi breakdown: 调 = 讠(speech) + 周 (all around, phonetic); 皮 = pictograph of skin/leather

Meaning

Naughty; mischievous; playfully disobedient.

Usually used affectionately, especially about children who are playfully unruly or cheeky. Can also describe an adult being impish in a light-hearted way. Not a serious criticism — the tone is typically fond rather than scolding.

Examples

1. 这个孩子很调皮，上课时总喜欢说话。 This child is very mischievous and always likes to talk during class.
2. 他调皮地对同学扮了个鬼脸，引得大家哈哈大笑。 He cheekily pulled a funny face at his classmate, making everyone burst out laughing.
3. 小猫很调皮，趁主人不注意把花瓶推倒了。 The kitten was naughty and knocked the vase off the table when its owner wasn't looking.

Usage Guide

Context: family, everyday

Tone: playful

Do Say

• 这小子真调皮，整天捉弄人。(This kid is really mischievous — he's always playing tricks on people.)
• 她调皮地眨了眨眼睛表示同意。(She gave a playful wink to show she agreed.)

Don't Say

• 别在正式场合称成年人为调皮 — 用于成人时要确保关系亲密，否则可能显得不礼貌。(Don't call an adult 调皮 in a formal setting — it only works between close acquaintances.)

Origin & History

Compound of 调 (to tune/adjust, here meaning unruly) and 皮 (skin, informally meaning cheeky/difficult). Together they convey the idea of someone who is hard to keep in line.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal