遊び

• Reading: あそび
• Romaji: asobi
• Kanji breakdown: 遊 (yū/aso) — play, enjoy, amuse
• Pronunciation: /a.so.bi/

Meaning

Play; fun; recreation. The act of playing or amusing oneself.

The noun form of the verb 遊ぶ (asobu, to play). It covers a wide range of leisure activities from children playing outdoors to adults going out for entertainment. It can also imply frivolous behaviour or having fun in a carefree way. Common in compounds like 遊び場 (playground) and 遊び友達 (playmate).

Examples

1. 子供は遊びが大好きです。 Children love to play.
2. 週末は友達と遊びに行きます。 I'm going out to have fun with friends this weekend.
3. 遊びの時間はもう終わりです。 Playtime is over now.

Usage Guide

Context: leisure, childhood, daily life

Tone: positive

Origin & History

Noun form of the verb 遊ぶ (asobu). The kanji 遊 combines the movement radical with a character suggesting travel or roaming freely.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal