Translation guide
A toy or object for play; also used figuratively for someone or something used for another's amusement or manipulation.
A physical item designed for play, especially by children.
A person treated as a source of entertainment or manipulated by others.
Passive form meaning 'to be treated as a plaything' or 'to be toyed with'. Commonly used for people.
彼は彼女におもちゃにされている。
He is being toyed with by her.
Something non-human that is controlled or used for someone's purposes.
When referring to a person as a plaything, avoid directly translating 'plaything' as おもちゃ without proper context. Use phrases like おもちゃにされる or 弄ばれる to convey the nuance of being used or manipulated.
彼女は彼をおもちゃにしている。
She is toying with him.
The child is playing with a toy.
このおもちゃは電池が必要です。
This toy requires batteries.
A more formal or written term for toy, often used in product descriptions or official contexts.
この店では伝統的な玩具を販売しています。
This store sells traditional toys.
Literally 'play tool', a slightly more descriptive term for plaything, often implying something used actively in play.
公園に遊び道具を持って行った。
I brought play equipment to the park.
Passive of 弄ぶ (to toy with), meaning to be played with or trifled with. Stronger nuance of being manipulated or used.
彼は運命に弄ばれていると感じた。
He felt he was being toyed with by fate.
Literally 'play partner', can imply someone treated casually as a plaything in a relationship. Context-dependent.
彼にとって私はただの遊び相手だった。
To him, I was just a plaything.
Means 'tool' or 'instrument', often used metaphorically for something used as a means to an end, like a plaything.
彼は会社の道具に過ぎない。
He is nothing more than a tool of the company.
Can be used metaphorically for objects as well, e.g., a gadget treated as a toy.
この高級車は彼にとってただのおもちゃだ。
This luxury car is just a plaything for him.