麻雀
mājan[ma̠ːʑã̠ɴ]
mahjong in Japanese is 麻雀 (mājan). Wiktionary also lists 麻将 (mājan).
Meaning: game for four players (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 麻雀 | mājan | [ma̠ːʑã̠ɴ] (narrow) |
| 麻将 | mājan |
The term refers to the game for four players.
How do you pronounce it?
mājan
Did you know?
- The Japanese characters for 麻雀 are actually the same kanji used to write the word for 'sparrow'.
- In Japan, the game is often referred to as リーチ麻雀 'riichi mahjong', a specialized version with unique rules not found in the original Chinese game.
- In Japan, the sound of tiles clacking together during 麻雀 is often described as pachi-pachi, an onomatopoeia that mirrors the sound of fireworks or snapping fingers.
Examples in context
- 麻雀が大好きです。I like mahjong.This sentence is useful for expressing a love for the game using the form 麻雀.Tatoeba #81437 by KK_kaku_, translation #322278 by CM
- 麻雀のやり方を知ってる？Do you know how to play mahjong?This sentence is useful for asking if someone knows how to play the game using the form 麻雀.Tatoeba #81436 by bunbuku, translation #322279 by CM
- 彼は麻雀が上手だそうです。I hear he is good at mahjong.This sentence is useful for reporting that someone is skilled at the game using the form 麻雀.Tatoeba #99857 by bunbuku, translation #303840 by CK
- 彼と一緒に麻雀をプレイしましょう。Let's play mahjong together with him/her.
- あのグループはいつもマージャン大会を開いています。That group always holds mahjong tournaments.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are at a cafe talking about weekend plans.
- 結衣 Yui今週末、麻雀をしませんか？Konshuumatsu, maajan o shimasen ka?Would you like to play mahjong this weekend?
- 健太 Kentaいいですね、ぜひ！Ii desu ne, zehi!That sounds good, I'd love to!
- 結衣 Yui健太さんは、麻雀のルールを知っていますか？Kenta-san wa, maajan no ruuru o shitte imasu ka?Kenta, do you know the mahjong rules?
- 健太 Kentaはい、少しだけわかります。Hai, sukoshi dake wakarimasu.Yes, I understand a little bit.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mahjong” translations and entries 麻雀, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 麻雀, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
