玩
waan²
The Cantonese word for 'play' (to act in a manner such that one has fun) is 玩 (waan²).
玩 is used when referring to having fun, playing with an object or practicing a musical instrument. While it covers various recreational activities, it is not used to describe performing a theatrical production.
Meaning: act in a manner such that one has fun (verb)
Which one should you use?
While 玩 refers to having fun or practicing an instrument, the terms 戲劇 / 戏剧 or 話劇 / 话剧 should be used when referring specifically to a theatrical performance.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing that someone is playing with a specific object, you can use the construction 玩 followed directly by the object, such as in 玩條匙 (play with the key).
How do you pronounce it?
waan²
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using 玩 when you mean 'performing' a theatrical play. Instead, use the specific terms for drama or the formal term 扮演 for acting a role.
Did you know?
- The phrase 玩完 literally means 'finished playing', but it is commonly used as slang to say that someone is 'done for' or in deep trouble.
- If someone is 玩你, they are not playing with you in a friendly way, but are instead teasing or tricking you.
- Cantonese speakers use 玩 to describe using gadgets or software, such as 玩電腦 for 'using a computer', regardless of whether they are gaming or working.
Examples in context
- 唔好玩條匙啦。Do not play with the key.This sentence shows how to express playing with a specific object using 玩.Tatoeba #1692263 by kaenif, translation #1691374 by aka_aj
- 其他細路唔摻佢玩。The other kids wouldn't play with him.This sentence demonstrates the use of 玩 in a social context.Tatoeba #6477956 by nickyeow, translation #6477957 by nickyeow
- 你除咗鋼琴之外仲有冇玩第啲樂器呀？Do you play any instruments other than the piano?This sentence illustrates using 玩 when referring to playing a musical instrument.Tatoeba #5949248 by nickyeow, translation #4486535 by CK
- 我鍾意彈琴。I enjoy playing the piano.
- 我哋一齊玩牌。Let's play cards together.
- 佢哋鍾意玩電玩遊戲。They like to play video games.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding what to do on the weekend.
- 家明 Ka Ming我哋星期六去邊度玩呀？ngo5 dei6 sing1 kei4 luk6 heoi3 bin1 dou6 waan2 aa3?Where shall we go to play/hang out this Saturday?
- 雅婷 Nga Ting去海邊玩水好唔好？heoi3 hoi2 bin1 waan2 seoi2 hou2 m4 hou2?How about going to the beach to play in the water?
- 家明 Ka Ming好呀，我好想去玩！hou2 aa3, ngo5 hou2 soeng2 heoi3 waan2!Sure, I really want to go and have fun!
- 雅婷 Nga Ting咁我哋星期六見啦。gam2 ngo5 dei6 sing1 kei4 luk6 gin3 laa1.Then I'll see you on Saturday.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “play” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
