Translation guide
A toy or object for play; also used figuratively for someone or something used for another's amusement or manipulation.
A physical item designed for play, especially by children.
The most common and general word for toy or plaything. Suitable for all ages and contexts.
A person treated as a source of entertainment or manipulated by others.
Passive form meaning 'to be treated as a plaything' or 'to be toyed with'. Commonly used for people.
Something non-human that is controlled or used for someone's purposes.
When referring to a person as a plaything, avoid directly translating 'plaything' as おもちゃ without proper context. Use phrases like おもちゃにされる or 弄ばれる to convey the nuance of being used or manipulated.
She is toying with him.
The child is playing with a toy.
This toy requires batteries.
A more formal or written term for toy, often used in product descriptions or official contexts.
This store sells traditional toys.
Literally 'play tool', a slightly more descriptive term for plaything, often implying something used actively in play.
I brought play equipment to the park.
He is being toyed with by her.
Passive of 弄ぶ (to toy with), meaning to be played with or trifled with. Stronger nuance of being manipulated or used.
He felt he was being toyed with by fate.
Literally 'play partner', can imply someone treated casually as a plaything in a relationship. Context-dependent.
To him, I was just a plaything.
Means 'tool' or 'instrument', often used metaphorically for something used as a means to an end, like a plaything.
He is nothing more than a tool of the company.
Can be used metaphorically for objects as well, e.g., a gadget treated as a toy.
This luxury car is just a plaything for him.