ゲームしない？
gēmu shinai?
The English phrase "wanna play a game?" can be translated into Japanese as ゲームしない？ (gēmu shinai?)
This phrase is a casual invitation to play a game with someone.
What does it mean word for word?
The expression consists of the loanword gēmu (game) and the negative form of the verb suru (to do). In this context, the negative form is used as a rising question to mean "won't you do/play?"
Which one should you use?
While ゲームしない？ is a soft invitation asking if the other person wants to play, the phrase ゲームしよう！ is a more direct "Let's play!"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form ゲームしない？ is casual and should be used with friends or peers rather than superiors. For more formal situations, you can use ゲームを一緒にプレイしませんか？ or the polite version ゲームしませんか？
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the same invitation in a polite manner, you can use ゲームしませんか？
How do you pronounce it?
gēmu shinai?
Did you know?
- In Japanese pop culture, particularly in manga and anime, the phrase ゲームしない？ can take on a sinister tone if spoken by a villain, mirroring the horror trope found in English films like 'Saw'.
- While ゲーム refers to structured activities, the native word 遊び (asobi) is used for 'play' in a broader sense, such as children playing or friends simply hanging out.
- In real-life scenarios, Japanese speakers often omit ゲーム entirely and simply ask しない？ (won't you?) while gesturing toward the game or equipment.
Examples in context
- 今からゲームしない？Ima kara geemu shinai?Wanna play a game starting now?
- 新しいゲームしない？Atarashii geemu shinai?Wanna play a new game?
- オンラインでゲームしない？Onrain de geemu shinai?Wanna play a game online?
Example conversation
Two siblings are hanging out in the living room.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵、ゲームしない？Himari, geemu shinai?Himari, wanna play a game?
- 陽葵 Himariいいよ、何をしようか？Ii yo, nani o shiyou ka?Sure, what should we play?
- 陽太 Yota格闘ゲームはどう？Kakutou geemu wa dou?How about a fighting game?
- 陽葵 Himari賛成！やろう！Sansei! Yarou!I'm in! Let's do it!
