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捣蛋

搗蛋
dǎodàn
verb #9,176

Meanings

  1. 1 to make trouble; to cause mischief
  2. 2 to play pranks; to be naughty

Characters

捣
dǎo
to pound; to smash; to cause trouble
蛋
dàn
egg
Smash + egg - making a mess, like a kid smashing eggs everywhere.

Examples

HSK 1
别捣蛋了！
Bié dǎodàn le!
Stop making trouble!
HSK 3
这个孩子总是捣蛋。
Zhège háizi zǒngshì dǎodàn.
This kid is always causing mischief.
HSK 3
不给糖就捣蛋。
Bù gěi táng jiù dǎodàn.
Trick or treat! (Give candy or I'll make trouble.)

Tips

culture
不给糖就捣蛋 is the Chinese translation of 'trick or treat' - a literal rendition that captures the playful threat perfectly.
usage
捣蛋 is light-hearted - it describes childish mischief, not serious wrongdoing. 捣蛋鬼 (dǎodàn guǐ) = 'little troublemaker' (used affectionately for naughty kids).

Stroke Order

捣 dǎo
蛋 dàn