おもちゃ
Meanings
1
usually written using kana alone
A physical object designed for children to play with.
I bought a toy for my child.
This toy requires batteries.
2
usually written using kana alone
A person or thing treated as a mere object of amusement or manipulation, often with a negative connotation.
He is nothing more than his boss's plaything.
That politician has become a plaything of the media.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉におもちゃを買ってあげるto buy a toy for someone
My father bought me a new toy for my birthday.
- 〈人〉をおもちゃにするto toy with someone; to treat someone as a mere plaything
He's the type of person who toys with other people's feelings.
- おもちゃで遊ぶto play with toys
The children were playing with their toys in the park.