‘逗乐’ is a verb meaning ‘to amuse’ or ‘to make someone laugh’ — it describes the act of intentionally causing light-hearted joy, often through playful teasing, jokes, or charming behavior. The first character 逗 (dòu) means ‘to tease’ or ‘to provoke playfully’, while the second character 乐 (lè) means ‘joy’ or ‘happiness’. Together, they form a compact, colloquial verb emphasizing cheerful interaction rather than deep humor — think of making a child giggle, lightening a tense mood, or charming an audience with wit.

This word is commonly used in informal spoken and written Chinese, especially when describing interpersonal dynamics: parents entertaining children, performers engaging audiences, or friends bantering affectionately. It carries a warm, positive connotation and rarely appears in formal or technical contexts. While it can be used reflexively (e.g., 逗乐自己), it most often takes a person or group as its object (e.g., 逗乐大家). Unlike more neutral terms like ‘entertain’, 逗乐 implies warmth, spontaneity, and emotional connection.