🇯🇵 How to say

“to play” in Japanese

遊ぶあそぶ
Illustration of "to play" in a Japanese cultural setting
In a sunny park, a group of children laugh as they run across the green grass, kicking a bright red ball back and forth …

Usage note

遊ぶ is a versatile verb used for all kinds of play, from children's games to adults enjoying hobbies. It implies leisure and fun, and unlike in English, it's not used for playing musical instruments (which uses 弾く).

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