“To play” in Japanese is 遊ぶ (あそぶ), pronounced asobu.
Pronunciation
The word has 3 beats (morae), each about the same length. Tap a syllable to hear it, or play the whole word:
How to use it
To play, have fun or hang out. Not for sports or instruments: those use する and 弾く.
Example sentences
- 子供が公園で遊んでいます。こどもがこうえんであそんでいます。The kids are playing in the park.
- 週末に友達と遊びました。しゅうまつにともだちとあそびました。I hung out with friends at the weekend.
Conjugation
The most useful forms of 遊ぶ. The rules are explained in Japanese verbs: the ます form.
| Form | Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary (plain) | 遊ぶ あそぶ | play |
| Polite present | 遊びます あそびます | play |
| Polite negative | 遊びません あそびません | don’t play |
| Polite past | 遊びました あそびました | past of “play” |
| Plain negative (ない) | 遊ばない あそばない | don’t play (casual) |
| Plain past (た) | 遊んだ あそんだ | past of “play” (casual) |
| て-form | 遊んで あそんで | play and… / please play (+ください) |
| Want to (たい) | 遊びたい あそびたい | want to play |
Quick practice
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What does {{遊ぶ}} mean?
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Which word means “to teach”?
Related words: Everyday verbs
FAQ
How do you say to play in Japanese?
To play in Japanese is 遊ぶ (あそぶ), pronounced “asobu”.
How do you write to play in Japanese?
It's written 遊ぶ with kanji, or あそぶ in hiragana. Both are read asobu.
Is 遊ぶ on the JLPT?
Yes. 遊ぶ (asobu) is a common word at JLPT N5 level, so it's worth learning early.