顽皮

• Pinyin: wán pí
• Hanzi breakdown: 顽 = 元 (primary) + 页 (head); 皮 = pictograph of animal skin

Meaning

Naughty; mischievous; playful. Describes children or animals who are playfully disobedient.

Usually used for children in an affectionate way, suggesting playful mischief rather than serious bad behavior. Can also describe playful adults in a teasing context. Often carries positive or neutral connotations, unlike 调皮 which can be more negative. Sometimes used for pets.

Examples

1. 这个小男孩很顽皮，总是爬到树上不下来。 This little boy is very naughty and always climbs up trees and won't come down.
2. 小时候我特别顽皮，经常被老师批评。 I was especially mischievous when I was young and was often criticized by teachers.
3. 她家的小猫太顽皮了，把家里的花盆都打翻了。 Her kitten is too naughty and knocked over all the flower pots in the house.

Usage Guide

Context: family, children, everyday

Tone: affectionate

Do Say

• 你这个顽皮的孩子！(You naughty child!)
• 小狗很顽皮。(The puppy is very mischievous.)

Don't Say

• 这个成年人很顽皮 — 形容成年人用'顽皮'听起来有些幼稚，除非是开玩笑

Origin & History

Compound of 顽 (stubborn, naughty) + 皮 (skin, naughty). 皮 in this context means naughty or mischievous in colloquial usage.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal