Translation guide
The English word "play" covers a wide range of activities and concepts, from children's games to musical performance, sports, and even mechanical looseness. Japanese uses different words and expressions depending on the specific meaning.
To engage in activity for enjoyment, especially by children.
The most common and general verb for playing, having fun, or spending leisure time. Used for children's play, hanging out, and recreational activities.
子供たちが公園で遊んでいる。
The children are playing in the park.
昨日は友達と遊んだ。
I hung out with my friends yesterday.
Noun form meaning 'play' or 'game'. Often used in compound words.
To take part in a game or sport.
The verb 'to do' is used with the name of the game or sport. For example, 'play soccer' is サッカーをする.
To perform music on an instrument.
Used for stringed instruments and piano. For example, guitar, violin, piano.
To perform a role in a play, movie, or drama.
To start or operate a device to produce sound or video.
To play back a recording, video, or music. Common for digital media.
このボタンを押すと音楽が再生されます。
Press this button and the music will play.
動画を再生する。
Play a video.
A dramatic work for the stage.
General word for a play or drama.
Slight movement or slack in a mechanical part.
Mechanical play, slack, or clearance. Also used figuratively for leeway or flexibility.
While 遊ぶ can be used for casual games, it is not used for organized sports or playing musical instruments. Use する for sports and the specific verbs (弾く, 吹く, 叩く) for instruments.
These verbs are specific to instrument types: 弾く for strings and piano, 吹く for wind instruments, 叩く for percussion. Using the wrong verb sounds unnatural.
Watch over children's play.
毎週末サッカーをしている。
I play soccer every weekend.
トランプをしよう。
Let's play cards.
Can be used for playing games, especially casual ones, but する is more common for organized sports.
ゲームで遊ぶ。
Play a game.
彼女はピアノを弾くのが上手だ。
She is good at playing the piano.
ギターを弾けますか？
Can you play the guitar?
Used for wind instruments. For example, flute, trumpet, saxophone.
彼はサックスを吹く。
He plays the saxophone.
Used for percussion instruments. For example, drums, tambourine.
ドラムを叩くのが好きです。
I like playing the drums.
A formal verb meaning 'to perform' music. Can be used for any instrument or ensemble.
オーケストラでバイオリンを演奏しています。
I play the violin in an orchestra.
To perform a role, act a part. Used for theater, film, and TV.
彼はハムレットを演じた。
He played Hamlet.
主役を演じる。
Play the leading role.
A more casual way to say 'play a role'.
今度の劇で悪役をやります。
I'm playing the villain in the upcoming play.
Casual verb for playing music or a recording, like 'put on' a CD or record.
音楽をかけて。
Play some music.
To play music or audio in a background or public setting, like in a store.
店内でジャズを流している。
They're playing jazz in the store.
学校で劇を上演する。
We will put on a play at school.
Theatrical performance, drama as an art form.
演劇部に入る。
Join the drama club.
Traditional or colloquial term for a play or theatrical performance, sometimes implying acting or pretense.
歌舞伎の芝居を見る。
Watch a kabuki play.
ハンドルに遊びがある。
There is play in the steering wheel.
Onomatopoeic word for looseness or rattling due to wear.
この機械はガタが来ている。
This machine has developed some play.