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.
The children are playing at the playground.
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.
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.
This children's playground closes at 5 PM.
The outdoor play area at a school, often with equipment and open space.
A commercial or private indoor space with play equipment for children.
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.
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.
Let's go to the playground.
The school playground has swings and monkey bars.
We played dodgeball on the playground.
This cafe has a kids' play area.
ここは子供たちの楽園です。
This is a playground for children.