Play with Meaning in English
expression
ˈpɫeɪ/ /ˈwɪð/, /ˈwɪθ/, /wɪð/, /wɪθ
PLAY-with, PLAY-with, play-with, play-with
plˈeɪ/ /wˈɪð
play-WITH
Definition
To interact with something or someone in a playful or informal way, often for fun or entertainment. Can also mean to consider or use something casually or to tease.
Usage & Nuances
Common for children interacting with toys, but also used for experimenting ("play with ideas") or teasing someone ("play with someone's feelings"). Informal; avoid in formal writing. Can express both literal play and figurative manipulation.
Spanish: jugar conPortuguese (BR): brincar com - jogar comPortuguese (PT): brincar com - jogar comChinese (Simplified): 玩弄 - 和...玩Chinese (Traditional): 玩弄 - 和...玩Hindi: के साथ खेलनाArabic: يلعب معBengali: খেলা করা - নিয়ে খেলা করা - নিয়ে মজা করাRussian: играть с - баловаться с - забавляться сJapanese: 〜で遊ぶ - 〜をいじる - 〜をもてあそぶVietnamese: chơi với - nghịch với - đùa giỡn vớiKorean: 가지고 놀다 - 장난치다Turkish: ile oynamak - ile uğraşmak - biriyle dalga geçmekUrdu: کے ساتھ کھیلنا - مذاق کرناIndonesian: bermain dengan - mempermainkan
Example Sentences
The children love to play with their new toys.
basic
Can I play with your puppy?
basic
Don’t play with matches; it’s dangerous.
basic
She likes to play with new recipes in the kitchen.
natural
Don’t play with my feelings.
natural
I’m just playing with some ideas for the project.
natural