Translation guide
A playground is an outdoor area with equipment for children to play on. In Japanese, the most common word is 公園 (こうえん), which means 'park' and often implies a playground. For a dedicated play area with equipment, use 遊び場 (あそびば) or 児童公園 (じどうこうえん).
Referring to a typical neighborhood park where children play on swings, slides, etc.
The most common and natural word. While it literally means 'park', it is understood to include playground equipment in most contexts.
子供たちは公園で遊んでいます。
The children are playing at the playground.
近くの公園に新しい滑り台ができた。
They put a new slide in the playground nearby.
Literally 'play place'. Can refer to any area where children play, including indoor play areas or natural settings, but also used for playgrounds.
この遊び場は安全で、親も安心です。
This playground is safe, so parents can relax too.
Formal term for a children's park, often used in official names or signs. Less common in everyday speech.
この児童公園は午後5時に閉まります。
This children's playground closes at 5 PM.
The outdoor play area at a school, often with equipment and open space.
Specifically the schoolyard or school grounds, which includes the playground area.
休み時間に校庭で遊びましょう。
Let's play on the playground during recess.
校庭にはブランコと鉄棒があります。
The school playground has swings and monkey bars.
Athletic field or sports ground. Often used for the open area of a school playground, especially for sports.
A commercial or private indoor space with play equipment for children.
Indoor playground or play area. Commonly used for facilities in shopping malls or community centers.
雨の日は室内遊び場に行こう。
Let's go to the indoor playground on rainy days.
Loanword from English 'kids' space'. Often used for small play areas in restaurants or stores.
このカフェにはキッズスペースがあります。
This cafe has a kids' play area.
A place or situation where people can enjoy themselves or experiment freely.
Can be used metaphorically, similar to English, for a place of enjoyment or experimentation.
この街は大人の遊び場だ。
This city is a playground for adults.
Paradise or wonderland. Used for a place of ideal enjoyment, often in names like '子供の楽園' (children's paradise).
The loanword プレイグラウンド (pureiguraundo) exists but is rarely used in natural Japanese. Stick to 公園 or 遊び場.
公園に行こう。
Let's go to the playground.
We played dodgeball on the playground.
ここは子供たちの楽園です。
This is a playground for children.