‘Play’ in English isn’t just あそぶ in Japanese — find out why!

In this episode, I explore how one English verb can be expressed using different verbs in Japanese. Before listening, try making one English sentence with this verb. I hope this episode helps you enjoy discovering how Japanese works.

This episode's vocab list:

気が付いていましたか。Have you noticed? [N4]

英語の文をひとつ one English sentence [N5]

たいてい usually [N4]

アクションが違うと、日本語では使う言葉も違います。If the actions are different, the words used in Japanese are also different. [N3]

他のスポーツ other sports [N5]

間違える to make a mistake [N4]

これは、英語の影響ですね。This is influenced by English. [N3]

Kids playの意味が強い時 When meaning of “Kids play” is stronger, [N3]

残念ながら、どんな楽器でも「弾きます」を使うことができるわけではありません。Unfortunately, It doesn’t mean you can use the verb “hikimasu” for any instrument. [N2]

基本的に、弦楽器だけです。Basically, it’s only for stringedinstruments. [N3]

例外 exception [N3]

電子ピアノ electric piano [N3]

つまり in other words [N3]

訳す to translate [N3]

ただし however; but (common in explanations) [N2]

注意が必要です。You need to be careful. [N3]

このように like this; in this way;  as mentioned above [N3]

集めてみる to try collecting [N4]