What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the loanword バレーボール (volleyball) followed by the verb する (to do).
Which one should you use?
In casual speech, the word バレーボール is often shortened to just バレー. Additionally, the phrase バレーをする is an informal, shortened way to say 'to play volleyball'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The dictionary form バレーボールをする is used in casual conversation or when stating a general habit. For polite situations, such as speaking to strangers or superiors, use the polite form バレーボールをします. For a casual suggestion, you can use バレーボールをしよう to mean 'Let's play volleyball'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the past tense of 'play volleyball', change the verb する to its polite past form しました to get バレーボールをしました. To express that someone is currently playing volleyball, use the continuous form しています to get バレーボールをしています.
How do you pronounce it?
barēbōru o suru
Did you know?
- When beginning a match or a practice session, it is customary for players to say お願いします (onegai shimasu), which translates to 'please treat me well' or 'I request your favor', to show respect to opponents and teammates.
- Japan is a global powerhouse in volleyball, and the sport is so integrated into school life that many students participate in 部活動 (club activities) for volleyball every day after classes.
- If you watch Japanese volleyball media or anime, you will often hear the term スパイク (supaiku) used for a 'spike', showing how modern Japanese sports terminology heavily relies on katakana loanwords for specific technical moves.
Examples in context
- 週末にバレーボールをする予定です。Shūmatsu ni barēbōru o suru yotei desu.I plan to play volleyball this weekend.
- 放課後にバレーボールをするのが好きです。Hōkago ni barēbōru o suru no ga suki desu.I like playing volleyball after school.
- 公園で友達とバレーボールをする。Kōen de tomodachi to barēbōru o suru.I play volleyball with friends at the park.
Example conversation
陽葵 and 陽太 are talking about their hobbies at school.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太くんは、何かスポーツをするのが好き？Yōta-kun wa, nanika supōtsu o suru no ga suki?Yota, do you like doing any sports?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、バレーボールをするのが一番好きだよ。Un, barēbōru o suru no ga ichiban suki da yo.Yeah, I like playing volleyball the most.
- 陽葵 Himari私もバレーボールをするのが大好き！Watashi mo barēbōru o suru no ga daisuki!I love playing volleyball too!
- 陽太 Yotaじゃあ、今度一緒にやろうよ。Jā, kondo issho ni yarō yo.Then, let's play together sometime.
