1.
joker; clown; jester
A person who frequently acts silly or comical to amuse others.
彼はクラスのおどけ者だ。
He is the class clown.
おどけ者の弟がみんなを笑わせてくれた。
My joker of a younger brother made everyone laugh.
いつもおどけ者のように振る舞っている彼だが、実は誰よりも真剣に仕事に取り組んでいる。
He always acts like a clown, but in reality he approaches his work more seriously than anyone.
Derived from the verb おどける (to clown around, to act silly) plus 者 (person). The nuance is generally affectionate or light — describing someone who is naturally funny and entertaining rather than someone being disruptive.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- おどけ者のように振る舞う: to act like a clown
- クラスのおどけ者: the class clown
- おどけ者を演じる: to play the role of the joker
SIMILAR WORDS:
- ひょうきん者: funny person; comedian — more colloquial and affectionate
- 道化師: clown; jester — refers to a professional entertainer or performer role
- お調子者: person who gets carried away; show-off — can be more negative