fbpx

2 Comments

June 13, 2019

いっしょにあそぼ! Let’s Play – Japanese Phrases for Children

You may not have known this, but Japanese children, like any other children, like to play games together. Here are a few phrases to get your inner child a-playing in Japanese.


いっしょにあそぼ!

issho ni asobo!
Let’s play together.

あそぼ should have a う at the end, but it is often dropped in speech, making it a shorter sound.


(なに)してあそぶ?

nani shite asobu?
What do you want to play?

Literally, “what-do-play,” this is a common way for kids to start play.


(なに)かしようよ

nanika shiyou yo
Let’s do something.

When nothing seems to be happening, this is the question to ask the gang. The final よ is for emphasis.


あそびにこう

asobi ni ikou
Let’s go play.

When suggesting to go to the park or pool, this is the phrase to use. The に is used to show the reason (to play) for going (ikou)


かまって!

kamatte
Pay attention to me!

From 構う kamau meaning “to mind” “to care about” or “to be concerned for”



Games

  • かくれんぼ kakurenbo -- hide and go seek
  • 鬼ごっこ oni gokko -- tag
  • フルーツバスケット furu-tsu basuketto -- Fruit basket turnover (game) Learn more here.
  • なわとび nawatobi -- jump rope
  • かけっこ kakekko -- race; sprint
  • じゃんけん janken -- Rock, paper, scissors
  • けん玉 kendama -- kendama; ball and cup.
Playing in Japanese

Sharing is caring!

  • {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

    Level up your Japanese!

    free-kanji-or-hiragana-offer-final

    For Total Beginners

    Japanese for beginners - Beri-Beri Shoshinsha

    This 15-book study guide + worksheets bundle is ON SALE. For just one-time payment only, you will get this bundle for a very low price plus you will get future contents for free (no additional charge).

    Easy to follow and understand

    This bundle is perfect for absolute beginners. It's thorough without being wordy, giving you exactly enough information to understand the concepts without overloading you with information. 

    TheJapanShop.com Customer

    Makoto+ Membership

    You'll notice many TheJapanesePage.com lessons have bonus content for Makoto+ Members. Well, membership goes well beyond that. Members also get our monthly magazine for learners of Japanese (Beginners to Intermediates), weekly exclusive lessons, Podcast bonus content, and much more.

    >