遊んでいる
asonde iru
The English phrase "playing" is translated into Japanese as 遊んでいる (asonde iru).
遊んでいる describes spending time doing something for enjoyment or recreation. It is important to note that while the base verb refers to playing or hanging out, it is not used for playing musical instruments or sports. For those activities, Japanese speakers use different verbs such as 弾く for instruments or する for sports.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you want to be polite, you should use 遊んでいます.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 遊んでいる represents the continuous aspect, which indicates that the action of playing is currently in progress.
How do you pronounce it?
asonde iru
Did you know?
- The verb 遊ぶ can be used as a euphemism for 'dating' or 'seeing someone' when the relationship is not serious. This implies a casual romantic connection without the commitment of a formal partnership.
- The word 遊び is used in Japanese carpentry and engineering to describe 'play' or 'clearance' in a mechanical joint. It refers to the intentional gap that allows parts to move without jamming.
- If you say you are 遊んでいる to a Japanese person, they might think you are wandering around aimlessly or loafing rather than engaging in a structured hobby.
Examples in context
- 妹は人形で遊んでいる。My sister is playing with a doll.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe someone playing with a specific object.Tatoeba #81378 by bunbuku, translation #322337 by CK
- トムはおもちゃで遊んでいる。Tom is playing with his toys.This sentence shows how to describe someone playing with toys.Tatoeba #2690798 by tommy_san, translation #1548192 by Spamster
- 数人の子供が砂浜で遊んでいる。Several children are playing in the sand.This sentence shows how to describe children playing in a specific location.Tatoeba #143528 by bunbuku, translation #271039 by Dejo
- 子供たちは公園で遊んでいます。The children are playing in the park.
- 友達と公園で遊ぼう！Let's play in the park with friends!
- 私はピアノを弾くのが好きです。I like playing the piano.
- 彼はギターを弾かない。He doesn't play the guitar.
- この夏、プールに行って遊びまくる！This summer, let's go to the pool and play like crazy!
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki calls Yota to ask what he is doing.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太くん、今何してるの？Yota-kun, ima nani shiteru no?Yota, what are you doing right now?
- 陽太 Yota友達とゲームで遊んでいるよ。Tomodachi to gēmu de asonde iru yo.I'm playing games with my friends.
- 美咲 Misakiいいな。私も混ぜて！Ii na. Watashi mo mazete!Lucky. Let me join in too!
- 陽太 Yotaいいよ。すぐに準備してね。Ii yo. Sugu ni junbi shite ne.Sure. Get ready quickly.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
