テレビゲーム
terebi gēmu[te̞ɾe̞bʲi ɡe̞ːmɯ̟]
The English phrase "video game" is translated into Japanese as テレビゲーム (terebi gēmu), ビデオゲーム or コンピュータゲーム.
Meaning: type of game existing as and controlled by software (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| テレビゲーム | terebi gēmu | [te̞ɾe̞bʲi ɡe̞ːmɯ̟] (narrow) |
| ビデオゲーム | bideo gēmu | [bʲide̞o̞ ɡe̞ːmɯ̟] (narrow) |
| コンピュータゲーム | konpyūta gēmu |
These terms all refer to a type of game that exists as and is controlled by software.
Which one should you use?
テレビゲーム (terebi gēmu) is a very common way to refer to video games, specifically those played on a console connected to a TV. ビデオゲーム (bideo gēmu) is a direct loanword. コンピュータゲーム (konpyūta gēmu) is often used to refer to games played on computers or more broadly to digital games. To refer specifically to a video game console or hardware, the term ゲーム機 (gēmu-ki) is frequently used.
How do you pronounce it?
terebi gēmu
Did you know?
- While テレビゲーム refers to the medium, the term 攻略法 (kōryakuhō) is used to describe the 'strategy' or 'walkthrough' for a game, literally meaning 'method of capture'.
- The phrase クソゲー (kusogē) is a common slang term used by Japanese gamers to describe a 'trash game' or a game that is poorly made or frustratingly difficult.
- Japanese gamers often use the loanword コンシューマー (konshūmā), from 'consumer', to distinguish home console games from arcade or mobile games.
Examples in context
- セガはかつてテレビゲーム機器を作っていた。Sega used to make video game consoles a long time ago.This sentence is useful for seeing the use of テレビゲーム in the context of gaming hardware history.Tatoeba #1865557 by bunbuku, translation #1370086 by Spamster
- ビデオゲームを楽しむことは私の趣味です。Playing video games is my hobby.
- ゲームが大好きで、友達とよく遊んでいます。I love video games, and I often play with my friends.
- ゲームのことについて話しましょう！Let's talk about gaming!
- 子供たちはテレビゲームに夢中です。Kodomotachi wa tereigēmu ni muchū desu.The children are obsessed with video games.
- 最新のテレビゲームを買いたいです。Saishin no tereigēmu o kaitai desu.I want to buy the latest video game.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their hobbies at home.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮くんはテレビゲームが好きですか？Ren-kun wa terebigēmu ga suki desu ka?Ren, do you like video games?
- 蓮 Renはい、毎日遊んでいますよ。Hai, mainichi asondeimasu yo.Yes, I play them every day.
- 陽葵 Himariいいですね。おすすめはありますか？Ii desu ne. Osusume wa arimasu ka?That's nice. Do you have any recommendations?
- 蓮 Ren今度、陽葵さんに教えますね。Kondo, Himari-san ni oshiemasu ne.I'll let you know next time, Himari.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “video game” translations and entries テレビゲーム, ビデオゲーム, コンピュータゲーム, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
