戯れる

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 戯れる (たわむれる) is an intransitive verb for frolicking or playfully engaging with something.
• Basic usage: 波と戯れている depicts children playing in waves; 言葉と戯れる figuratively depicts a poet playing with language.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Physical frolic and verbal play
  • The play partner takes と. Waves select a physical scene, while words select a figurative creative activity.