Japanese word

遊び

Pronunciation

Romajiasobi

Meaning

  • noungame, play

Example

この遊びは簡単です。ko no aso bi wa kan tan de su

This game is easy.

Illustration for 遊び (game)

More examples

友だちとの遊びは楽しいです。tomo da chi to no aso bi wa tano shi i de su

Playing with friends is fun.

雨の日は、家の中でできる遊びを考えます。ame no hi wa ie no naka de de ki ru aso bi o kanga e ma su

On rainy days, I think of games we can play indoors.

Core concept

Centers on an activity done for enjoyment, whether it is a structured game or relaxed play.

Common phrases

  • 遊びに来るaso bi ni ku ru

    come over to play

  • 遊びに行くaso bi ni i ku

    go out to have fun

  • 遊びに誘うaso bi ni saso u

    invite someone to play

  • 遊びの予定aso bi no yo tei

    plans to have fun

Similar words

ゲームgēmu: A structured activity played for enjoyment, often with rules or a goal.
暇つぶしhimatsubushi: An activity done to fill free time, often without a fixed purpose or set rules.

Definition in Japanese

楽しみを目的として行う活動や、勝敗を競うゲーム。tano shi mi o moku teki to shi te okona u katsu dō ya shō hai o kiso u gē mu

Word origin

遊び (asobi) is formed from the native Japanese verb 遊ぶ (asobu), meaning "to play" or "to spend time for pleasure," by using its continuative form as a noun.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 遊びに行く (asobi ni iku) often means going out for fun or hanging out, not necessarily playing a game.

Opposites

Related words

  • 遊び方asobikataway of playingnoun

Word lists with this word