Dictionary
English - Japanese

Game

ɡeɪm
Extremely common
400 - 500
400 - 500
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

ゲーム (gēmu), 試合 (shiai), 遊び (asobi), ゲーム (gēmu) (as in a strategic or competitive scenario), 狩猟 (shuryou) (as in hunting game)

Game meanings in Japanese

ゲーム (gēmu)

Example:
I love playing video games.
私はビデオゲームをするのが大好きです。
What game do you want to play?
どのゲームをしたいですか?
Usage: informalContext: Used when referring to electronic games, board games, or any form of play.
Note: The term 'ゲーム' is borrowed from English and is widely used in Japan to refer to both video games and board games.

試合 (shiai)

Example:
The football game starts at 3 PM.
サッカーの試合は午後3時に始まります。
She won the game.
彼女は試合に勝ちました。
Usage: formalContext: Used in sports contexts to describe a match or competition.
Note: This term specifically refers to competitive matches, such as sports events.

遊び (asobi)

Example:
Children love to play games.
子供たちは遊びが大好きです。
This is just a game.
これはただの遊びです。
Usage: informalContext: Used in a general sense to refer to play or leisure activities.
Note: This term encompasses any form of play, not limited to structured games.

ゲーム (gēmu) (as in a strategic or competitive scenario)

Example:
It's all just a game to him.
彼にとってはすべてがただのゲームです。
Don't take it too seriously; it's just a game.
あまり真剣に考えないで、ただのゲームだから。
Usage: informalContext: Used metaphorically to describe situations that are competitive or strategic.
Note: The metaphorical use of 'ゲーム' often implies that the stakes are not as serious as they might seem.

狩猟 (shuryou) (as in hunting game)

Example:
Hunting game is regulated by law.
狩猟は法律で規制されています。
He enjoys hunting game in the mountains.
彼は山で狩猟を楽しんでいます。
Usage: formalContext: Used in the context of hunting and wildlife.
Note: This term is specific to referring to animals that are hunted for sport or food.

Game's synonyms

play

Play refers to engaging in an activity for enjoyment or recreation, often involving rules or competition.
Example: Let's play a game of chess.
Note: Play can be a broader term encompassing various activities beyond structured games.

match

A match is a contest or competition between two or more individuals or teams.
Example: We are going to watch a soccer match tonight.
Note: Match specifically implies a competitive aspect, often used in sports contexts.

contest

A contest is a competition or rivalry where participants compete to achieve a specific goal.
Example: The spelling bee was a tough contest.
Note: Contest can refer to a broader range of competitive activities beyond games.

competition

Competition involves individuals or groups vying against each other to achieve a specific objective or win a prize.
Example: The cooking competition was fierce.
Note: Competition can encompass a wider range of activities beyond games, including sports, business, and more.

Game expressions, common phrases

a whole new ball game

This phrase means that something is completely different from what was previously experienced or known.
Example: I thought high school would be easy, but college is a whole new ball game.
Note: The phrase 'a whole new ball game' emphasizes a significant change or difference compared to the original word 'game.'

beat someone at their own game

To defeat someone by using their own methods or tactics against them.
Example: She's always trying to outsmart others, but I managed to beat her at her own game.
Note: The phrase 'beat someone at their own game' adds a competitive and strategic element beyond simply playing a game.

fair game

Something or someone that is considered acceptable to be targeted or pursued.
Example: Once the item is left unattended, it's considered fair game for anyone to take.
Note: The phrase 'fair game' extends the idea of a game to include situations where fairness and rules may or may not apply.

mind games

Psychological tactics used to manipulate or deceive someone.
Example: Stop playing mind games with me and just tell me the truth.
Note: While 'mind games' involves mental manipulation like a game, it is not a literal game but rather a strategy to influence someone's thoughts or behavior.

the name of the game

The most important aspect or essential factor in a particular situation or activity.
Example: In business, efficiency is the name of the game.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the key focus or priority in a situation, going beyond the idea of playing a game.

play the game

To conform to the rules or expectations of a particular situation in order to achieve success or advancement.
Example: To succeed in this industry, you have to learn how to play the game.
Note: While 'play the game' uses the concept of a game metaphorically, it refers to navigating real-life situations rather than engaging in a literal game.

up your game

To improve one's performance, skills, or efforts in order to achieve better results.
Example: If you want to get a promotion, you need to up your game and show more initiative.
Note: The phrase 'up your game' suggests enhancing one's abilities or efforts beyond the level of a typical game to achieve success in a competitive context.

Game everyday (slang) expressions

game-changer

A game-changer refers to something or someone that significantly alters the current situation or strategies, often leading to a fundamental shift in a particular field or industry.
Example: The new software is a real game-changer in the tech industry.
Note: This term emphasizes the dramatic impact or influence brought about by the change, distinguishing it from just any usual change or improvement.

no game

Having 'no game' in a particular context means lacking skill, talent, or ability in that area.
Example: She's so good at baking, she's got no game in the kitchen.
Note: This slang term is commonly used to express a humorous or lighthearted way of pointing out someone's lack of proficiency or luck in a specific domain.

game face

Putting on your game face means displaying a serious, focused, or determined expression, especially in preparation for a challenge or competition.
Example: He put on his game face before entering the meeting.
Note: Unlike a regular face or expression, the game face implies a deliberate attitude or demeanor geared towards performing well in a demanding situation.

the waiting game

Being in the waiting game refers to a situation where one must be patient and wait for an outcome or result, often with uncertainty or anticipation.
Example: We're in the waiting game now, hoping for good news.
Note: This phrase highlights the passivity and suspense associated with waiting, emphasizing the need to endure the period of uncertainty.

bring your A-game

To bring your A-game means to perform at your best, highest level of skill, or top form.
Example: You better bring your A-game to the audition if you want the role.
Note: This expression underscores the expectation of exceptional performance, likening it to achieving the highest possible grade ('A') in a given context.

game plan

A game plan refers to a strategy, approach, or set of tactics designed to achieve a specific goal or objective.
Example: What's our game plan for the upcoming project presentation?
Note: This term conveys the structured and organized nature of the plan, often used in competitive or challenging situations where careful planning is necessary for success.

spoiler alert

A 'spoiler alert' is a warning given before discussing details or revealing information that might ruin the surprise or suspense for others.
Example: I won't tell you what happens in the movie, spoiler alert!
Note: While not directly related to the word 'game', this term is commonly used in various contexts such as discussing movies, TV shows, books, or events where revealing details might spoil the experience for others.

Game - Examples

I love playing games with my friends.
The championship game is tomorrow.
Let's have a game of chess.

Game grammar

Game - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: game
Conjugations
Adjective, comparative (Adjective, comparative): gamer
Adjective, superlative (Adjective, superlative): gamest
Adjective (Adjective): game
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): games
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): game
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): gamed
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): gaming
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): games
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): game
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): game
Syllables, Separation and Stress
game Contains 1 syllables: game
Phonetic transcription: ˈgām
game , ˈgām (The red syllable is stressed)

Game - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
game: 400 - 500 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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