“To play” in Japanese
Short answer
To play in Japanese is “遊ぶ” (asobu). Full meaning: to play (games, sports), to enjoy oneself, to have a good time; to mess about (with alcohol, gambling, philandery, etc.); to be idle, to do nothing, to be unused.
Other ways to say “To play” in Japanese
弾ずる
danzuru to play (a stringed instrument)
演る
yaru to do, to undertake, to perform, to play (a game), to study; to send, to dispatch, to despatch; to put, to move, to turn (one's head, glance, etc.)
演ずる
enzuru to act (a part), to play (a role); to perform (a play, etc.), to put on (a production); to commit (a blunder), to pretend (e.g. to be a good father), to disgrace oneself
弾じる
danjiru to play (a stringed instrument)
奏する
sousuru to report to the Emperor; to play (musical instrument); to accomplish
アソぶ
asobu to play (games, sports), to enjoy oneself, to have a good time; to mess about (with alcohol, gambling, philandery, etc.); to be idle, to do nothing, to be unused
遊べる
asoberu to play (games, sports), to enjoy oneself, to have a good time; to mess about (with alcohol, gambling, philandery, etc.); to be idle, to do nothing, to be unused
あそぶ
asobu to play (games, sports), to enjoy oneself, to have a good time; to mess about (with alcohol, gambling, philandery, etc.); to be idle, to do nothing, to be unused
食らわす
kurawasu to make someone eat, to deal (a blow), to play (a trick)
あそべる
asoberu to play (games, sports), to enjoy oneself, to have a good time; to mess about (with alcohol, gambling, philandery, etc.); to be idle, to do nothing, to be unused
演じる
enjiru to act (a part), to play (a role); to perform (a play, etc.), to put on (a production); to commit (a blunder), to pretend (e.g. to be a good father), to disgrace oneself
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