How to Say ‘Don't screw with me!’ in Japanese
ふざけるな
fuzakeru na
[foo-zah-KEH-roo nah]
💬 Usage Tip: Adding な after the plain dictionary form of a verb makes a blunt "don't!". Another example is 触るな "don't touch!".
Phrase Breakdown
ふざける
fuzakeru
[foo-zah-KEH-roo]
to mess around; to joke
Verb meaning to fool around or not be serious.
授業中にふざけるのはやめなさい。
Stop fooling around during class.
な
na
[nah]
don't (prohibition)
Sentence-ending particle after a verb's plain form making a blunt negative command.
走るな!
Don't run!
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