Tease
Prank, Lewd Behavior
noun, verbal noun, な adjective, の adjective
A bad kind of playing is when you tease or prank someone. It's mean and you shouldn't do it! Depending on the context this can sometimes have a far more negative connotation and mean lewd behavior.
The reading for this word is an exception. Here's a mnemonic to help you remember it:
If you tease someone with a prank that makes them eat zoo rats (いたずら), you're a jerk. That's less of a prank and more like abuse. Cut it out.
今子供達の間で流行っている悪戯ですよ。
Pranks are popular among children right now.
もう！悪戯するのはやめてください！
Come on! Stop teasing me!
面白い悪戯のアイデアをヤフオクで販売して生計を立てています。
I make a living by selling interesting prank ideas on Yahoo! Auction.