Translation guide
The English phrasal verb "play up" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses: to emphasize or exaggerate something, to misbehave or cause trouble (especially for a child or machine), and to cause pain or problems (for a body part).
To highlight, stress, or make something seem more important, better, or worse than it really is.
play up the benefits · play up one's achievements · play up the danger
The most direct and common translation for "play up" in the sense of emphasizing something. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts.
彼は自分の経験を強調した。
He played up his experience.
報告書は問題点を強調している。
The report plays up the problems.
Literally "to say in an exaggerated way". This is more colloquial and implies making something sound more dramatic than it is.
彼はいつも自分の成功を大げさに言う。
He always plays up his successes.
Means "to emphasize on purpose" or "to make a point of emphasizing". It carries a nuance of deliberate or unnecessary emphasis.
彼女はことさら自分の若さを強調した。
She deliberately played up her youth.
To behave badly, especially a child, or to not work properly, especially a machine or part of the body.
The kids are playing up today. · My back is playing up again. · The computer is playing up.
Literally "not listen to what is said". This is the most natural way to describe a child playing up or being disobedient.
子供たちが言うことを聞かなくて困っている。
The kids are playing up and it's a problem.
Specifically for young children who are being fussy, whiny, or uncooperative. Often used for toddlers.
息子がぐずって買い物に行けない。
My son is playing up so I can't go shopping.
Used for machines or body parts that are not working properly. It means "in bad condition".
プリンターの調子が悪い。
The printer is playing up.
膝の調子が悪くて走れない。
My knee is playing up so I can't run.
Means "to break down" or "malfunction". More formal than 調子が悪い, and implies a definite failure rather than intermittent trouble.
エアコンが故障した。
The air conditioner played up (and broke).
When a part of the body starts to hurt or cause trouble, often due to an old injury or chronic condition.
My knee is playing up. · His shoulder has been playing up lately.
The standard verb for "to hurt" or "to be painful". It can be used for any body part.
古傷が痛む。
My old injury is playing up.
A general phrase meaning "not in good condition". It can be used for body parts, similar to 調子が悪い.
腰の具合が悪い。
My lower back is playing up.
Do not translate "play up" literally as 遊ぶ (asobu) + 上 (ue). This makes no sense in Japanese. Always consider the intended meaning first.
When "play up" means "emphasize", 強調する is the safest choice. However, 大げさに言う adds a nuance of exaggeration that 強調する lacks. Use 大げさに言う when the emphasis is clearly over the top.
彼女はプロジェクトでの自分の役割を強調した。
She played up her role in the project.
子供たちは一日中言うことを聞かなかった。
The children have been playing up all day.
昔の膝の怪我が痛む。
My old knee injury is playing up.