Translation guide
This guide covers how to express the English phrase "play around" in Japanese, which can mean to have fun casually, to mess around or goof off, to experiment or tinker, or to be unfaithful in a relationship. The best Japanese expression depends on the specific nuance.
To engage in lighthearted, unstructured play or amusement, often outdoors or with friends.
The most common and general verb for playing, having fun, or hanging out. Covers a wide range of casual activities.
子供たちが公園で遊んでいる。
The children are playing around in the park.
今日は友達と遊ぶ予定だ。
I plan to play around with my friends today.
Emphasizes moving around from place to place while playing or having fun. Often used for children or tourists.
夏休みに海で遊び回った。
We played around at the beach during summer vacation.
To frolic, make merry, or be in high spirits. Often implies noisy, excited play.
子供たちがプールではしゃいでいる。
The kids are playing around noisily in the pool.
To waste time, act silly, or avoid serious work.
To fool around, joke, or mess about. Can be playful or mildly negative depending on context.
授業中にふざけて先生に怒られた。
I was playing around in class and got scolded by the teacher.
ふざけるな！
Stop messing around! / Don't be ridiculous!
Literally 'always playing', used to criticize someone for not being serious or diligent.
彼は仕事をしないで遊んでばかりいる。
He just plays around and doesn't do any work.
To laze around, loaf, or idle. Focuses on lack of activity rather than playful mischief.
週末は家でだらだらしていた。
I just played around (lazed around) at home all weekend.
To try out different things in a casual, non-serious way, often to see what happens or for fun.
Literally 'touch/play with and play'. Used for tinkering with gadgets, settings, or physical objects.
新しいアプリをいじって遊んだ。
I played around with the new app.
To try doing something just to see what it's like. More about testing than playful tinkering.
この機能を試しにやってみた。
I played around with this feature to see how it works.
To try something in a playful, experimental spirit. Emphasizes the lighthearted approach.
遊び感覚でプログラミングを試している。
I'm playing around with programming just for fun.
To have casual sexual relationships outside a committed partnership.
The standard term for cheating or having an affair. Implies a breach of trust in a romantic relationship.
彼は彼女がいるのに浮気をしている。
He's playing around even though he has a girlfriend.
A noun meaning 'playboy' or 'womanizer'. Describes a person who habitually plays around.
彼は遊び人だから気をつけて。
He's a player, so be careful.
Slang for acting flirtatious or shallow, often implying playing the field. Can describe a person's demeanor.
あの人はいつもチャラチャラしていて信用できない。
That person is always playing around and can't be trusted.
Do not directly translate 'play around' as '遊び回る' in all contexts. '遊び回る' specifically means moving around while playing, not messing around or cheating. Use the appropriate expression for each meaning.
遊ぶ (asobu) is neutral and means to play or have fun. ふざける (fuzakeru) implies joking, fooling around, or not being serious, and can be negative if someone is expected to be serious.