Gaming is a popular pastime that transcends cultural boundaries, and being able to discuss video games in different languages adds a whole new level of enjoyment. If you’re interested in learning how to say “playing video games” in Japanese, this guide will provide you with the knowledge you need. We’ll cover both formal and informal ways to express this phrase and offer helpful tips and examples along the way.
Table of Contents
1. How to say “Playing video games” formally:
When speaking in formal settings or with people you don’t know well, using polite language is crucial. Here are a few ways to express “playing video games” formally in Japanese:
1. ビデオゲームを遊ぶ (bideo gemu o asobu)
This is a straightforward and commonly used phrase that means “to play video games.” It’s polite, suitable for most situations, and easily understood by native Japanese speakers.
2. ビデオゲームを楽しむ (bideo gemu o tanoshimu)
While this phrase translates to “to enjoy video games,” it is often used when discussing leisure activities in a formal context.
2. How to say “Playing video games” informally:
When conversing with friends or in casual settings, Japanese has a range of informal expressions. Here are a few ways to say “playing video games” informally:
1. ゲームをする (geemu o suru)
This is a simple and commonly used phrase, meaning “to play games.” It’s versatile and appropriate for various situations, from talking with friends to engaging in gaming discussions online.
2. ゲームをやる (geemu o yaru)
Similar to the previous phrase, this is another informal way to express “playing games.” It’s widely used and widely understood by the Japanese gaming community.
3. Tips and Examples:
Tips:
- Using appropriate honorific language is essential when addressing older people, superiors, or authority figures.
- Utilize context-specific language when talking about specific video game genres or consoles.
- Remember to match your speech level to the formality of the conversation or situation.
Examples:
1. Informal conversation:
Person A: もうすぐ休みだね。(Mousugu yasumi da ne.)
Person B: そうだよ！ゲームをする予定だよ。(Souda yo! Geemu o suru yotei da yo.)
Translation:
Person A: We’ll have a holiday soon, right?
Person B: Yes, I plan to play video games.
2. Casual online discussion:
Comment: 新しいゲームをやったことがありますか？(Atarashii geemu o yatta koto ga arimasu ka?)
Translation:
Comment: Have you played any new games?
3. Formal conversation:
Person A: 休暇中に何か特別なことをされますか？(Kyuuka chuu ni nanika tokubetsu na koto o saremasu ka?)
Person B: 休暇中にはビデオゲームを楽しむつもりです。(Kyuuka chuu ni wa bideo gemu o tanoshimu tsumori desu.)
Translation:
Person A: Will you do anything special during your vacation?
Person B: I plan to enjoy playing video games during my vacation.
4. Talking about specific video game genres:
Person A: 最近どんなゲームをしていますか？(Saikin donna geemu o shite imasu ka?)
Person B: ロールプレイングゲームが好きなので、最近「FINAL FANTASY」をプレイしています。(Rooru pureingu geemu ga suki nano de, saikin “FINAL FANTASY” o purei shite imasu.)
Translation:
Person A: What kind of games have you been playing recently?
Person B: I enjoy role-playing games, so I’ve been playing “FINAL FANTASY” recently.
Remember, these examples represent various scenarios, but it’s essential to adapt your language based on the context, formality, and people involved in a conversation.
By learning how to say “playing video games” in both formal and informal contexts, you’ll be ready to engage in gaming conversations with Japanese speakers from all walks of life. Enjoy the journey of exploring the rich gaming culture through the Japanese language!
