Translation guide
A game where players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. In Japanese, this is typically expressed with the loanword RPG or the full phrase ロールプレイングゲーム.
The broad category of games where players take on character roles, including tabletop, live-action, and video games.
The most common and natural way to refer to role-playing games in Japanese, especially video games. Used in both casual and formal contexts.
最近、面白いRPGを探している。
Lately, I've been looking for an interesting RPG.
このRPGはストーリーが深い。
This RPG has a deep story.
The full Japanese rendering of 'role-playing game'. Less common than RPG, but used in formal writing or when clarity is needed.
ロールプレイングゲームは、プレイヤーがキャラクターになりきるゲームです。
A role-playing game is a game where players become their characters.
Specifically a pen-and-paper or tabletop RPG like Dungeons & Dragons, as opposed to a video game.
The standard term for tabletop role-playing games. Often abbreviated as TRPG.
週末に友達とテーブルトークRPGをプレイする。
I play tabletop RPGs with friends on weekends.
Abbreviation of テーブルトークRPG. Very common in enthusiast circles.
TRPGのシナリオを作成するのは楽しい。
Creating scenarios for TRPGs is fun.
A role-playing game where participants physically act out their characters' actions, often in costume.
The most direct translation for live-action role-playing game. Sometimes abbreviated as LARP.
ライブアクションRPGのイベントに参加した。
I participated in a live-action RPG event.
The English acronym LARP is sometimes used in Japanese, especially in niche communities.
LARPは海外で人気がある。
LARP is popular overseas.