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    Chinese Grammar

    Describing someone as naughty with 淘气 (táoqì)

    Description & Modification

    Structure

    Subject + 很 + 淘气 / 小 + 淘气

    Explanation

    淘气 (táoqì) means "naughty" or "mischievous" and is typically used to describe children or small animals that are playfully disobedient. It carries an affectionate or lighthearted tone rather than a harsh criticism.

    Examples

    • 这个孩子真淘气,又把花瓶打碎了。

      Zhège háizi zhēn táoqì, yòu bǎ huāpíng dǎ suì le.

      This kid is really naughty — he broke the vase again.

    • 小猫特别淘气,总是到处乱跑。

      Xiǎo māo tèbié táoqì, zǒngshì dàochù luàn pǎo.

      The little cat is especially naughty, always running around everywhere.

    • 他小时候很淘气,现在长大了反而很安静。

      Tā xiǎoshíhou hěn táoqì, xiànzài zhǎng dà le fǎn'ér hěn ānjìng.

      He was very naughty as a child, but now that he's grown up he's actually quite quiet.

    Describing someone as naughty with 淘气 (táoqì) | Chinese Grammar