遊ぶ

• Reading: あそぶ
• Romaji: asobu
• Kanji breakdown: 遊 (yuu/aso) — to play, to enjoy
• Pronunciation: /a.so.bɯ/

Meaning

To play; to enjoy oneself; to have a good time; to hang out.

A Group 1 (godan) intransitive verb with a b-stem. The te-form is 遊んで (with ん sound change). Broader in meaning than the English 'play' — used by all ages to mean socialising, hanging out, or having fun. Children 遊ぶ at the park; adults 遊ぶ by going out with friends. Not limited to games or sports.

Examples

1. 公園で子どもたちが遊んでいる。 The children are playing in the park.
2. 週末に友達と遊びました。 I hung out with my friends on the weekend.
3. 外で遊びたいです。 I want to play outside.

Usage Guide

Context: leisure, friends, daily life

Tone: casual

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 遊 combines 辶 (movement) and 斿 (a flag waving freely), evoking the image of moving about freely and enjoying oneself.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal