Translations of expressions related to "playing"

Regarding the expression of "playing," due to differences in vocabulary, sentence structure, grammar, and language habits between Chinese and Japanese, there are often differences in the use of words when expressing the same meaning. This article discusses the corresponding translation methods of the character "玩" in Chinese to Japanese.

The basic definition of the character "玩" is to play or amuse, so it is translated as 「遊ぶ」「戯れる」 in Japanese. Other meanings of "玩" include:

1. Engaging in a certain activity (often referring to recreational activities):

- Playing soccer - サッカーをする

- Playing poker - トランプをやる

- Playing with a mobile phone - 携帯で遊ぶ／携帯をいじる

In these cases, "playing" is a relatively general verb, forming a transitive construction with nouns, and is translated as 「やる」「する」. However, it is important to note that in the example "playing with a mobile phone," which is a common usage in Chinese, the mobile phone is merely a tool, and people are entertaining themselves with the software on the phone, so it is translated as 「携帯で遊ぶ」 in Japanese. The commonly used phrase in Japanese 「携帯をいじる」 gives the sense of continuously swiping on the phone.

2. Using (improper methods or means):

- Playing tricks - 小細工をする

The similar expression to "playing tricks" is "using little tricks," and such terms carry a negative connotation, so it is translated as 「小細工をする」. It is worth noting that similar expressions like "using one's wits" should be rephrased in translation to 「小賢しく立ち回る」.

3. Treating something with a non-serious attitude; showing disdain; teasing:

- Playing with emotions - 人の感情を弄ぶ／戯れる

- Flouting the world - 世の中を茶化す／世を拗ねる

In these cases, "playing" has a derogatory connotation, and in translation, corresponding negative terms such as 「弄ぶ」「戯れる」 should be used.

For example, "playing with the world" does not have a direct equivalent in Japanese, so it can only be translated by providing an explanatory description. The term refers to adopting a non-serious and non-rigorous attitude towards life due to dissatisfaction with reality, hence it is translated as 「世の中を茶化す」「世を拗ねる」.

4. Appreciating:

- Admiring the moon - 月を愛でる

- Strolling around - ほっつき回る

The phrase "admiring the moon," now commonly referred to as "moon-watching," corresponds to the meaning of "appreciating."

5. Things for viewing:

- Antique - 骨董

Here is a list of phrases containing the character "玩":

- Joking - 戯言／冗談

- Blasphemy - 冒涜／汚す

- Playmate - 遊び相手

- Playing with determination - 必死に

- Indulging in play - 遊び惚ける

- Done for - やっちまった

- Doll - 縫いぐるみ／人形

- Plaything - 玩具／やつ (derogatory term for a person)

- Playful heart - 遊び心

- Neglecting duties - 仕事を軽んじる／仕事を疎かにする

- Losing ambition due to indulgence - 玩物喪志

◀️：A Brief Overview of the Differences Between Chinese and English

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