パズル
pazuru[pa̠zɨɾɯ̟]
The English word "puzzle" is translated into Japanese as パズル (pazuru).
パズル refers to a game, toy or problem that requires mental effort to complete or solve, intended as a pastime or a test of mental ability. If you are specifically referring to a jigsaw puzzle, the more specific term ジグソーパズル is used.
Meaning: game or toy, or problem, requiring some effort to complete or work out, which is intended as a pastime and/or to test one’s mental ability (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
pazuru
Did you know?
- If you are looking for a 'brain teaser' or 'brain puzzle' in a Japanese bookstore, you might see the term 脳トレ (nou-tore).
- While パズル is used for games, the English word 'puzzle' when used as a verb to mean 'to confuse' is often expressed using the verb 困らせる (komaraseru).
- In Japanese, 'puzzles' for children are often categorized under the broader umbrella of 知育玩具 (chiiku gangu), meaning 'educational toys'.
Examples in context
- 彼はパズルに夢中だった。He was immersed in the puzzle.This sentence shows how someone can be immersed in a パズル.Tatoeba #111277 by small_snow, translation #1137408 by AlanF_US
- そのパズルを解けなかった。I couldn't solve the puzzle.This sentence illustrates a situation where one could not solve a パズル.Tatoeba #7834217 by Ninja, translation #7834021 by CK
- 彼女はそのパズルを簡単に解いた。She solved the puzzle with ease.This sentence demonstrates solving a パズル with ease.Tatoeba #92572 by bunbuku, translation #311138 by CK
- パズルを解くのが好きです。I like solving puzzles.
- そのナゾを解けるかな？Can you solve that puzzle?
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are hanging out at home.
- 美咲 Misakiこのパズル、すごく難しいね。Kono pazuru, sugoku muzukashii ne.This puzzle is really difficult, isn't it?
- 健太 Kenta一緒にやってみようか。Issho ni yatte miyou ka.Shall we try it together?
- 美咲 Misakiいいよ。どこにはめるのかな。Ii yo. Doko ni hameru no kana.Okay. I wonder where this piece goes.
- 健太 Kentaあ、ここにパズルのピースがあるよ。A, koko ni pazuru no pīsu ga aru yo.Oh, here is a puzzle piece.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “puzzle” translations and entries パズル, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
