Guide on How to Say “I Play Video Games” in Japanese

Gaming has become a popular form of entertainment worldwide, and Japan has contributed significantly to the thriving gaming culture. If you’re a gamer interested in communicating your hobby in Japanese, this guide will teach you how to say “I play video games” in both formal and informal situations. We’ll also explore a few regional variations to provide a comprehensive understanding of the language. So, let’s jump into it!

Formal Ways to Say “I Play Video Games”

In formal situations, you’ll need to use more polite language when expressing yourself. Here are a few options to convey your love for gaming politely:

1. Video Gēmu o shimasu. (ビデオゲームをします。)
   The direct translation of “I play video games” in formal Japanese.
2. Video Gēmu o tanoshimini shimasu. (ビデオゲームを楽しみにします。)
   Translates to “I look forward to playing video games.” It emphasizes the enjoyment aspect of gaming.

Informal Ways to Say “I Play Video Games”

In casual settings, you have a bit more flexibility with your choice of words. Here are some informal phrases to express your gaming habit:

1. Video Gēmu o suru. (ビデオゲームをする。)
   The most straightforward phrase meaning “I play video games.”
2. Game o yarun da yo. (ゲームをやるんだよ。)
   This phrase is more relaxed and colloquial, commonly used among friends. “Yarun da yo” implies a more active engagement with gaming.

Regional Variations

Japanese language usage may vary slightly depending on the region. Here are a couple of regional variations:

In the Kansai region, including cities like Osaka and Kyoto, people may say “Gēmu suru ya” (ゲームするや) in casual conversations. This variation adds a local touch to the phrase.

While regional variations can be interesting to know, the phrases mentioned earlier will work universally across Japan.

Tips and Examples

Now that you know how to say “I play video games” in both formal and informal ways, here are a few tips and examples to enhance your understanding:

• Context Matters: Consider the situation and the people you are addressing before deciding which form to use. For formal situations or when talking to older individuals, stick to polite expressions.
• Adding Specific Details: You can enhance your sentence by specifying the type of video game you play. For example:
  • “Fāsutopāson o shimasu.” (ファーストパーソンをします。)
    Translates to “I play first-person shooters.”
  • “Rōrupurei o tanoshimini shimasu.” (ロールプレイを楽しみにします。)
    Means “I look forward to playing role-playing games.”
• Sharing your Favorite Games: You can express your love for specific video games by saying:
  • “Watashi wa Metarugia o shimasu.” (私はメタルギアをします。)
    Meaning “I play Metal Gear.”
  • “Watashi wa Sūpā Mario o yarun da yo.” (私はスーパーマリオをやるんだよ。)
    Translates to “I play Super Mario.”

Remember, Japanese culture values politeness, so it’s essential to use the appropriate level of formality in your expressions. By incorporating these tips and examples into your Japanese conversations, you can confidently communicate your love for video games.

Enjoy immersing yourself in the fascinating gaming world of Japan!