遊ぶ
asobu[a̠so̞bɯ̟]
To hang out in Japanese is to say 遊ぶ (asobu).
The verb 遊ぶ is used to mean hanging out regardless of whether the activity is active, such as going to an arcade or passive, such as just sitting and talking. To suggest hanging out to friends, you can use the informal phrase 遊ぼう (Let's hang out) or 出かけよう (Let's go out).
Meaning: to socialize (verb)
Which one should you use?
While 遊ぶ is the standard way to say hang out for friends and adults, its literal meaning is 'to play', which can sound childish in certain contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe the continuous action of hanging out right now, use the progressive form 遊んでいる.
How do you pronounce it?
asobu
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using 遊ぶ when referring to spending time with a romantic partner or a superior, as it may sound too casual or juvenile. Instead, use 過ごす.
Did you know?
- While 遊ぶ means 'to hang out', it is also the standard verb used to describe gambling in Japanese.
- In a professional context, the word 遊び can refer to the mechanical 'play' or clearance between two machine parts.
- The word 遊ぶ traces back to the 8th-century text Kojiki, meaning it has been used to describe leisure and play for over 1,300 years.
Examples in context
- 今度の会議後にお茶でもお付き合いください。Please join me for tea after the meeting next time.
- 今度遊ぼう！カラオケに行こうよ！Let's hang out next time! Let's go to karaoke!
- 明日公園に出かけよう！バーベキューでもしようよ！Let's go to the park tomorrow! How about having a barbecue?
- 友達と遊ぶのが好きです。Tomodachi to asobu no ga suki desu.I like hanging out with my friends.
Example conversation
Two friends are chatting about their plans for the weekend.
- 蓮 Ren今度の土曜日、一緒に遊ぶ？Kondo no doyōbi, issho ni asobu?Do you want to hang out together this Saturday?
- 陽葵 Himariいいよ！どこで遊ぶ？Ii yo! Doko de asobu?Sure! Where should we hang out?
- 蓮 Ren駅の近くに新しいカフェがあるよ。Eki no chikaku ni atarashii kafe ga aru yo.There is a new cafe near the station.
- 陽葵 Himariいいね。そこにしよう！Ii ne. Soko ni shiyō!Sounds good. Let's go there!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 遊ぶ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 遊ぶ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
