1.
graffiti, scribbling, doodling
Writing or drawing on walls, desks, or other surfaces where it is not intended, or casual, unplanned drawings and scribbles, such as doodling in a notebook.
壁に落書きをしてはいけない。
You must not scribble on the walls.
ノートの端に落書きをしながら授業を聞いていた。
I was doodling in the margins of my notebook while listening to the lecture.
歴史的な建物への落書きが問題になっていて、市は監視カメラの設置を検討している。
Graffiti on historic buildings has become a problem, and the city is considering installing surveillance cameras.
USAGE:
Covers a range from innocent doodling (in notebooks) to vandalism (on buildings and public property). The tone depends on context — a child's doodle is harmless, while graffiti on cultural heritage sites is a serious issue.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 落書きをする: to scribble, to doodle, to graffiti
- 落書きを消す: to remove graffiti
- 落書き帳: sketchbook, doodle pad