Meaning and Usage
The word 恶作剧 (èzuòjù) refers to a prank or mischievous act, usually intended to surprise, tease, or trick someone in a playful way. It often involves harmless jokes but can sometimes annoy or upset the target.
Common Contexts
恶作剧 is frequently used when talking about children's playful behavior, especially during festivals like Halloween or April Fools' Day. It can also describe practical jokes among friends or classmates.
Collocations and Patterns
- 做恶作剧 (zuò èzuòjù): to play a prank
- 玩恶作剧 (wán èzuòjù): to have fun playing pranks
- 恶作剧的对象 (èzuòjù de duìxiàng): the target of a prank
Register and Tone
This term is informal and commonly used in everyday conversation. It is generally neutral but can carry a slightly negative tone if the prank causes trouble.
Common Confusion
Don't confuse 恶作剧 with 恶意 (è yì), which means 'malicious intent.' 恶作剧 is usually playful and not meant to harm seriously, while 恶意 implies harmful intentions.