ゲーム
gēmu[ɡe̞ːmɯ̟]
The English word "game" is translated into Japanese as ゲーム (gēmu).
ゲーム refers to an activity described by a set of rules, specifically for entertainment. While it is a loanword from English, it is widely used in modern Japanese, particularly when referring to video games.
Meaning: activity described by a set of rules, especially for the purpose of entertainment (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
ゲーム is a loanword from the English word "game" and is written in Katakana, the Japanese script used for foreign loanwords.
How do you pronounce it?
gēmu
Did you know?
- Japanese gamers often use the term 神ゲー ('god game') to describe a masterpiece and クソゲー ('crap game') for a poorly made one.
- In Japanese slang, the phrase ゲームオーバー ('game over') is sometimes used metaphorically to describe a situation in real life that has reached a point of no return or total failure.
- In certain traditional contexts, a 'game' might be referred to as 勝負, which literally translates to 'victory or defeat' and emphasizes the competitive nature of the struggle.
Examples in context
- ゲームしようよ。Let's play a game.This sentence is useful for suggesting playing a game with ゲーム.Tatoeba #9001470 by small_snow, translation #3824471 by CK
- ゲームで負けた。I lost the game.This sentence is useful for expressing that one lost a game using ゲーム.Tatoeba #12696376 by small_snow, translation #644990 by CM
- ゲームは終わりだ。The game is over.This sentence is useful for stating that a game is finished using ゲーム.Tatoeba #9183222 by small_snow, translation #954346 by CK
- ビデオゲームは日本で人気のある遊びです。Video games are popular in Japan.
- 子供たちは屋外の遊びが大好きです。Children love outdoor games.
- 一緒にゲームをしよう！Let's play video games together!
- つまんないなぁ…何か遊びはない？I'm bored. Is there anything fun to do?
- 110 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are talking about their hobbies.
- 蓮 Ren最近、どんなゲームをしていますか？Saikin, donna gēmu o shite imasu ka?What kind of games have you been playing lately?
- 陽葵 Himari私はパズルゲームが好きです。Watashi wa pazuru gēmu ga suki desu.I like puzzle games.
- 蓮 Renいいですね。一緒にゲームをしましょう。Ii desu ne. Issho ni gēmu o shimashō.That's nice. Let's play a game together.
- 陽葵 Himariはい、ぜひやりましょう！Hai, zehi yarimashō!Yes, let's definitely do it!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ゲーム, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
