also: プレイ
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
General use for playing or recreational activity, especially in modern contexts such as games; native 遊び or 遊ぶ is often more natural for children's ordinary play.
このゲームは無料でプレイできる。
This game can be played for free.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
playing a sport; sports play
Sports usage; プレー is especially common when talking about an athlete's action, style of play, or the course of a game.
彼の守備のプレーは見事だった。
His defensive play was excellent.
チームは最後までフェアにプレーした。
The team played fairly until the end.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
playing a musical instrument; musical performance
Used in music contexts, especially with instruments and styles such as ギター・プレイ; 演奏 is the more standard general word for musical performance.
彼のギター・プレイは力強い。
His guitar playing is powerful.
noun
theatrical play
Refers to a play as a theatrical work or performance; in ordinary modern Japanese, 劇 or 芝居 is usually clearer.
演劇の文脈での「プレー」は、劇や芝居を指すことがある。
In a theatrical context, プレー can refer to a play or drama.
noun
play ball; starting a match
Sports abbreviation related to プレーボール, used for the call or announcement that play begins or resumes; this is a specialized sports use, not the general sense of 'good play.'
See also: プレーボール
主審が「プレー」とコールし、試合が始まった。
The umpire called 'play,' and the game began.