游戏
yóuxì
The English phrase 'games' is translated into Chinese as 游戏 (yóuxì).
游戏 refers to activities played for entertainment or competition. When talking specifically about internet or online games, the term 网络游戏 is used. Additionally, while you can use the general phrase 玩游戏 to say 'play games', the specific phrase 打游戏 is used when referring to video games or digital games.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 游戏 is composed of the characters 游 (meaning to swim or wander) and 戏 (meaning play, drama or game).
How does it change in a sentence?
As a noun, 游戏 does not change its form to indicate plurality. The context of your sentence determines whether you are referring to one game or multiple games.
How do you pronounce it?
yóuxì
Did you know?
- If you use the verb 打 to mean 'play' with 游戏, such as in 打游戏, you are literally using the verb that means 'to hit' or 'to strike'.
- In the context of sports 'games' like basketball or football, Chinese speakers use 比赛 'bǐsài' rather than 游戏, as the latter is strictly for play and not professional competition.
- The word 游戏 can be used as a verb meaning 'to trifle with' or 'to play around with' someone's emotions, moving beyond the context of a literal game.
Examples in context
- 我不玩网络游戏。I don't play internet games.This sentence is useful for expressing that you do not play internet games using the word 游戏.Tatoeba #3432643 by GlossaMatik, translation #3450345 by schlagermanx
- 我没时间跟你玩游戏。I don't have time to play games with you.This sentence is useful for stating you lack the time to play games with someone using the word 游戏.Tatoeba #5780578 by verdastelo9604, translation #2568656 by Hybrid
- 你想不想一起打游戏？Do you want to play video games together?This sentence is useful for asking someone to play video games together using the word 游戏.Tatoeba #13277833 by Enzo, translation #13277839 by Enzo
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing hobbies at a cafe.
- 雨婷 Yuting你平时喜欢玩什么游戏？Nǐ píngshí xǐhuān wán shénme yóuxì?What kind of games do you usually like to play?
- 俊杰 Junjie我比较喜欢手机游戏。Wǒ bǐjiào xǐhuān shǒujī yóuxì.I prefer mobile games.
- 雨婷 Yuting那下次一起玩吧。Nà xiàcì yīqǐ wán ba.Let's play together next time then.
- 俊杰 Junjie好啊，没问题。Hǎo a, méi wèntí.Sure, no problem.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
