Quick answer
遊 is the kanji for "to play". Its reading is あそ.ぶ (asobu). This page includes example sentences and a stroke-order diagram.
Meaning
to play
Also : to enjoy · Leisure · Recreation
Learn 遊 with SRS
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
12 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 遊 represents 'PLAY'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of play.
On-reading: ゆう — remember this sound by associating it with play. Kun-reading: あそ.ぶ.
Example Sentences
友達と遊びに行きます。
ともだちとあそびにいきます。
I'm going out to play with friends.
子供が公園で遊んでいます。
こどもがこうえんであそんでいます。
Children are playing in the park.
Vocabulary using 遊
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
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