戏弄 (xì nòng) is a verb meaning to tease or mock someone playfully—not with cruelty, but in a lighthearted, often affectionate or mischievous way. The character 戏 (xì) means 'play' or 'drama', suggesting performance or pretense; 弄 (nòng) means 'to handle', 'to fiddle with', or 'to toy with'. Together, they evoke the image of playfully handling or 'putting on a show' at someone’s expense—like joking around, pulling a harmless prank, or gently ribbing a friend. It implies intentionality and interaction, not passive observation.

This word is commonly used in informal spoken and written Chinese among friends, family, or peers. It carries a neutral-to-positive connotation when the teasing is mutual and good-natured, but can turn negative if the target feels embarrassed or hurt—context and tone matter greatly. It’s rarely used in formal settings or with superiors, as it presumes familiarity and equality between speakers.