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travesura means mischief — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: August 13, 2025

🌶️ Mexican Slang

travesura

noun • /[trah-veh-SOO-rah]/

mischief

Example:

Armó una gran travesura hoy.

He caused big mischief today.

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🧠 What does travesura mean?

Travesura generally translates to "mischief" or "prank" in English. It describes playful, often harmless, acts of naughtiness or rebelliousness, especially those done by children. Think of the kind of lighthearted troublemaking that might make you chuckle or shake your head with a smile. In Mexico, the word carries a particularly affectionate connotation, often implying a certain cleverness or wit in the mischievous act.

📚 Extra examples

  • ¡Qué travesura hiciste, niño!
    What mischief have you been up to, child!
  • Las travesuras de mi sobrino me hacen reír.
    My nephew's mischievous acts make me laugh.
  • Esa travesura casi le cuesta una visita al director.
    That prank almost landed him in the principal's office.
  • Con una sonrisa pícara, confesó su travesura.
    With a mischievous grin, he confessed his prank.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'mischief' in Spanish?
While "mischief" can be translated in several ways, "travesura" is a common and fitting choice, particularly in Mexico. Other options include "maldad" (more serious mischief or evil), "picardía" (roguishness), and "diablura" (devilishness).
How do you pronounce 'travesura' in Spanish?
It's pronounced tra-ve-SU-ra, with the stress on the SU syllable. The 'r' is a soft, rolled 'r' as is typical in Spanish.
How do you use 'travesura' in a sentence?
You can use it to describe the act itself, like "¡Qué travesura!" ("What a mischievous act!") or to talk about someone being mischievous: "Es un niño lleno de travesuras" ("He's a child full of mischief").
What is the English translation of 'travesura'?
The best translation is usually "mischief" or "prank." Sometimes, depending on the context, words like "trick," "shenanigan," or even "caper" could also work.
Does 'travesura' change for gender or number?
Yes. For multiple acts of mischief, you'd use "travesuras." The word itself is feminine, so you'd use feminine articles and adjectives with it.
Is 'travesura' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, particularly in Mexico, it's a frequently used word, especially when talking about children or lighthearted pranks.
Does 'travesura' have slang or double meanings?
While not necessarily slang, its connotation is informal and playful. It doesn't have any particularly negative or double meanings.
Is 'travesura' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
While understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world, it's more common in Latin America, specifically Mexico, than in Spain. In Spain, "trastada" is a more frequent synonym.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "travesura"

Synonyms: picardía, diablura, trastada
Opposites: obediencia, seriedad, comportamiento

💡 Did You Know?

The word "travesura" comes from the verb "travesear," which means "to be mischievous" or "to play pranks."

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