私と遊んで
watashi to asonde
In Japanese, "play with me" is said as 私と遊んで (watashi to asonde).
This phrase is a request for someone to spend time together doing something fun or entertaining.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 私と遊んで is composed of watashi (I/me), the particle to (with) and the te-form of the verb asobu (to play/hang out).
Which one should you use?
Watashi to asonde kudasai is the formal version. For casual suggestions, Watashi to asobou! means "Let's play together!" and Asobou yo! means "Let's play!"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Watashi to asonde kudasai is a formal way to say "Please play with me." In casual settings, the volitional form asobou is a common way to suggest playing or hanging out to friends or peers.
How do you pronounce it?
watashi to asonde
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often add issho ni (together) to the phrase to say "play together with me" (私と一緒に遊んで), but because watashi to already implies the interaction, adding issho ni is often redundant in natural contexts.
Did you know?
- Depending on the context, using asobu between adults can shift from a platonic invitation to hang out to an implication of a romantic or sexual encounter.
- In a technical context, asobi refers to the intentional gap or 'play' left in mechanical parts to prevent them from jamming.
- In Japanese, you would never use asobu to express 'playing' an instrument like the piano or a sport like soccer, despite the English similarity.
Examples in context
- 暇なときは、私と遊んで。Hima na toki wa, watashi to asonde.When you are free, play with me.
- ねえ、私と遊んでよ！Nee, watashi to asonde yo!Hey, play with me!
- 明日、私と遊んでくれる？Ashita, watashi to asonde kureru?Will you play with me tomorrow?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking at school during a break.
- 蓮 Renねえ、休み時間に私と遊んで。Nee, yasumi jikan ni watashi to asonde.Hey, play with me during the break.
- 陽葵 Himariいいよ。何をしようか？Ii yo. Nani o shiyou ka?Sure. What should we do?
- 蓮 Renあっちでゲームをしよう！Acchi de geemu o shiyou!Let's play a game over there!
- 陽葵 Himari賛成！行こう。Sansei! Ikou.I agree! Let's go.
