godan verb (-bu), transitive verb
Physical manipulation of an object for amusement or absent-mindedness, such as a toy, one's hair, or a small item.
彼はペンを弄びながら話を聞いていた。
He listened to the talk while fiddling with a pen.
猫が毛糸玉
The cat is playing with a ball of yarn.
godan verb (-bu), transitive verb
toy with; trifle with
Treating a person's feelings or affections carelessly, often with a nuance of cruelty or manipulation.
彼は彼女の気持ちを弄んだ。
He toyed with her feelings.
人の好意を弄ぶような真似はするな。
Don't trifle with people's goodwill.
godan verb (-bu), transitive verb
do as one pleases with; treat as a plaything
Using something or someone freely for one's own amusement or convenience, often implying a lack of respect.
権力者は国民を弄んではならない。
Those in power must not treat the people as playthings.
godan verb (-bu), transitive verb
Rare, somewhat literary use for savoring or taking pleasure in something, such as art or nature.
彼は骨董品を弄ぶのが趣味だ。
His hobby is appreciating antiques.