Translation guide
The English word 'game' covers a wide range of meanings, from sports and video games to wild animals and romantic pursuits. This guide organizes the most common and useful Japanese expressions by meaning, helping learners choose the right word for each context.
Referring to electronic games played on consoles, computers, or mobile devices.
The most common and general term for any electronic game. Borrowed from English.
昨日新しいゲームを買った。
I bought a new game yesterday.
Specifically refers to video games played on a TV or console. Slightly dated but still understood.
子供の頃、テレビゲームばかりしていた。
When I was a kid, I did nothing but play video games.
Less common than ゲーム, but used in formal or technical contexts.
ビデオゲームの歴史について研究している。
I'm researching the history of video games.
A competitive activity with rules, often physical, such as baseball, soccer, or a single contest.
The standard word for a sports match or game. Used for both team and individual sports.
明日の試合に勝てるかな。
I wonder if we can win tomorrow's game.
Refers to a sport or athletic event, often in an official or competitive context. Can also mean 'competition'.
Also used for sports matches, especially in casual speech or when counting games within a match (e.g., tennis).
A non-electronic, often simple activity for fun, like tag, hide-and-seek, or board games.
General word for play or a game children play. Emphasizes the fun, unstructured aspect.
子供たちは外で遊びをしている。
The children are playing a game outside.
Also used for non-electronic games, especially those with rules like board games, card games, or party games.
トランプでゲームをしよう。
Let's play a card game.
Formal or literary term for play or games. Often used in compound words like 遊戯施設 (amusement facilities).
A game with specific components and rules, often played on a table.
Direct loanword for board game. Widely understood.
週末に友達とボードゲームを楽しんだ。
I enjoyed playing board games with friends over the weekend.
Direct loanword for card game.
カードゲームのルールを説明して。
Explain the rules of the card game.
Animals such as deer, birds, or fish that are hunted.
Refers to game animals or prey. Also used metaphorically for a target or victim.
彼は山で獲物を追っている。
He is pursuing game in the mountains.
Loanword from French 'gibier', used for wild game meat, especially in culinary contexts.
The act of trying to attract someone romantically, or the 'game' of dating.
Literally 'love bargaining/tactics'. Refers to the strategic aspect of romantic pursuit.
彼は恋愛の駆け引きがうまい。
He's good at the dating game.
Direct translation 'love game', understood but less natural than 駆け引き.
恋のゲームに疲れた。
I'm tired of the game of love.
Expressing readiness or agreement to join an activity, as in 'I'm game.'
Means 'eager' or 'keen'. Commonly used to say you're up for something.
今夜飲みに行かない？ ーいいね、乗り気だよ。
Want to go for a drink tonight? - Sure, I'm game.
Literally 'have motivation/willingness'. Can be used to express being game for a challenge.
難しい仕事だけど、やる気はあるよ。
It's a tough job, but I'm game.
While ゲーム is versatile, it can sound unnatural for sports matches (use 試合) or children's unstructured play (use 遊び). Overusing ゲーム may mark you as a non-native speaker.
⚪ サッカーの試合を見に行く。
I'm going to watch a soccer game.
✕ サッカーのゲームを見に行く。
I'm going to watch a soccer game. (unnatural)
Many games (sports) are held at the Olympics.
The next game will decide it.
Children are playing in the game room.
Table game; a broader category including board games, card games, and sometimes tabletop RPGs.
テーブルゲームが好きで、よく集まって遊ぶ。
I like table games and often get together to play.
This restaurant is famous for its game dishes.
Technical/legal term for game birds and animals. Used in hunting regulations.
狩猟鳥獣の種類は法律で定められている。
The types of game animals are specified by law.