verb HSK 1
to play · to have fun · to enjoy oneself
Meaning
玩 is one of the most fundamental verbs in Chinese, expressing the idea of playing, having fun, or engaging in leisure activities. It can refer to playing games, sports, toys, or simply enjoying oneself in a relaxed way.
Usage
Native speakers use 玩 very broadly for recreational activities. It can take objects like 玩游戏 (play games), 玩手机 (play with phone), or 玩具 (toys). It's casual and appropriate for everyday conversation. When followed by specific activities, it often means 'to engage in' that activity for fun.
Examples
- 01周末我们去公园玩吧。.Let's go play in the park this weekend.
- 02小孩子喜欢玩玩具。.Children like to play with toys.
Common collocations
- 玩游戏to play games
- 玩手机to play with one's phone
- 玩得开心to have a good time
- 出去玩to go out and have fun
Antonyms
Origin
The character 玩 originally combined the radical 王 (jade) with 元, suggesting the ancient practice of playing with or admiring jade objects, which later generalized to mean playing or enjoying anything.