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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

别捣蛋了！
Bié dǎodàn le!
Stop making trouble!
这个孩子总是捣蛋。
Zhège háizi zǒngshì dǎodàn.
This kid is always causing mischief.
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