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How to Say ‘To be up to something naughty’ in French

Préparer une bêtise

pray-pah-RAY ewn bay-TEEZ

[pray-pah-RAY ewn bay-TEEZ]

💬 Usage Tip: [Une bêtise] is often something silly, naughty, or mischievous rather than something seriously bad. In flirty teasing, it can suggest playful trouble more than real wrongdoing.

Phrase Breakdown

Préparer

[pray-pah-RAY]

to prepare / to be planning

Means 'to prepare,' but in this context it suggests secretly planning something mischievous.

Example

Préparer une bêtise, c’est exactement l’impression que tu donnes.

Planning something silly is exactly the impression you give.

une

[ewn]

a / an

Feminine singular indefinite article, used before 'bêtise.'

Example

Préparer une bêtise avec ce sourire, c’est presque trop évident.

Planning something silly with that smile is almost too obvious.

bêtise

[bay-TEEZ]

silly thing / mischief / naughty idea

A 'bêtise' is something foolish, naughty, or mischievous, often said lightly and playfully.

Example

Préparer une bêtise, ça te va presque trop bien.

Planning a silly little mischief suits you almost too well.

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