play

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on readings are ゆう, ゆ, and the kun reading is あそぶ. It has 12 strokes and relates to the act of playing and play as an activity.
• Basic usage: 遊ぶ is read あそぶ, and 遊び is read あそび.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 遊ぶ / 遊び
  • 遊ぶ means to play and is read あそぶ. It describes children or others playing with toys or friends.
  • 子どもたちは積み木で楽しそうに遊んでいた。 means “The children were happily playing with blocks.”
  • 遊び means play or amusement and is read あそび. It refers to play or amusement as an activity.
  • 子どもたちは石を使った遊びを考えた。 means “The children invented a game using stones.”