ゲームをする
gēmu o suru
To play games in Japanese is ゲームをする (gēmu o suru).
The phrase ゲームをする is used to describe engaging in activities for entertainment, such as playing video games or board games.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the loanword ゲーム (game) and the verb する (to do).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The dictionary form ゲームをする is used in informal, casual conversation with friends or family. For a polite way to express this to strangers or superiors, use ゲームをします.
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe the action of playing games right now, use the continuous form ゲームをしています. If you want to express the past tense, you can use the polite form ゲームをしました or the casual form ゲームをしました.
How do you pronounce it?
gēmu o suru
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly try to use the verb 遊ぶ (to play or hang out) with ゲーム, but する (to do) is the natural choice when talking about games.
Did you know?
- Japanese has a specific word, 攻略 (kōryaku), which literally means 'capture' or 'conquest' but is used to describe the act of beating a difficult game or using a walkthrough.
- If you were playing a traditional Japanese game like 'Go', you might actually use the verb 打つ (utsu), which means 'to strike' or 'to hit', instead of する.
- The Katakana word ゲーム can sometimes be used to describe a 'scheme' or a 'rigged plot' in certain contexts, much like the English word 'game'.
Examples in context
- 暇なときは、ゲームをする。Hima na toki wa, geemu o suru.When I have free time, I play games.
- 週末は家でゲームをする予定です。Shuumatsu wa ie de geemu o suru yotei desu.I plan to play games at home this weekend.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their weekend plans at a cafe.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔君は、週末は何をするの？Hiroto-kun wa, shuumatsu wa nani o suru no?Hiroto, what are you doing this weekend?
- 大翔 Hiroto家でゲームをするつもりだよ。Ie de geemu o suru tsumori da yo.I intend to play games at home.
- 美咲 Misaki私も、ゲームをするのが大好き！Watashi mo, geemu o suru no ga daisuki!I love playing games too!
- 大翔 Hirotoじゃあ、今度一緒にゲームをしよう。Jaa, kondo issho ni geemu o shiyou.Then, let's play games together next time.
