Mess with Meaning in English
expression
ˈmɛs/ /ˈwɪð/, /ˈwɪθ/, /wɪð/, /wɪθ
MESS with
mˈɛs/ /wˈɪð
MESS with
Definition
To bother, annoy, disturb, or play tricks on someone. It can also mean to interfere with something you shouldn't touch.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and often used to warn or tease. Common in 'Don't mess with me' (threat/warning) and 'mess with something' (tamper/interfere). Not physically violent—more annoyance, conflict, or playful teasing.
Spanish: meterse con - fastidiarPortuguese (BR): mexer com - provocarPortuguese (PT): meter-se com - provocarChinese (Simplified): 惹 - 捉弄Chinese (Traditional): 惹 - 捉弄Hindi: छेड़ना - परेशान करनाArabic: يتدخل مع - يعبث معBengali: ঝামেলা করা - বিরক্ত করা - টানা হেঁচড়া করাRussian: досаждать - лезть - вмешиватьсяJapanese: ちょっかいを出す - いじる - からかうVietnamese: chọc phá - làm phiền - can thiệpKorean: 건드리다 - 장난치다 - 방해하다Turkish: karışmak - bulaşmak - rahatsız etmekUrdu: چھیڑنا - تنگ کرنا - مداخلت کرناIndonesian: mengusik - mengganggu - ikut campur
Example Sentences
Don't mess with my phone!
basic
He likes to mess with his little brother.
basic
Please don't mess with the settings.
basic
You really shouldn't mess with Janet when she's angry.
natural
They were just messing with you, don't take it seriously.
natural
If you mess with that machine, you could break it.
natural