一緒に遊ばない？
issho ni asobanai?
The English phrase "do you want to play with me?" can be said in Japanese as 一緒に遊ばない？ (issho ni asobanai?)
This phrase is a friendly invitation to spend time together doing an enjoyable activity.
What does it mean word for word?
This negative question format functions as a soft invitation meaning "won't you play?"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The informal way to say "Do you want to play with me?" is 一緒に遊ばない？ For a more polite version used when speaking to someone you are not close with or someone older, use 一緒に遊びませんか？
How do you pronounce it?
issho ni asobanai?
Did you know?
- If you ask an adult to 遊ぶ ('asobu') in a romantic context, it can sometimes be misinterpreted as a suggestion for a casual, non-serious relationship rather than a date.
- The word 遊び ('asobi') is also used in Japanese architecture and engineering to describe 'play' or 'clearance' in a joint. This refers to the intentional gap left so that parts can move or expand without breaking.
- Japanese has a specific concept called 遊び心 ('asobi-gokoro'), which translates to 'a playful spirit'. It describes the ability to find humor or lightness in a serious situation, and is considered a virtuous personality trait.
Examples in context
- 放課後、一緒に遊ばない？houkago, issho ni asobanai?Do you want to hang out after school?
- 暇なら、一緒に遊ばない？hima nara, issho ni asobanai?If you're free, do you want to play together?
- 今週末、一緒に遊ばない？konshuumatsu, issho ni asobanai?Do you want to hang out this weekend?
Example conversation
Two classmates are talking in the school hallway.
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣、今日、一緒に遊ばない？Yui, kyou, issho ni asobanai?Yui, do you want to hang out today?
- 結衣 Yuiいいよ！何して遊ぶ？Ii yo! Nani shite asobu?Sure! What should we do?
- 大翔 Hirotoゲームセンターに行こうよ。Geemu sentaa ni ikou yo.Let's go to the game center.
- 結衣 Yui賛成！行こう！Sansei! Ikou!I'm in! Let's go!
