Meaning
To engage in recreational activities outdoors.
Cultural Background
Outdoor play is highly valued for children's social development in local parks. Backyards are often private, so 'playing outside' often means playing in one's own garden. In dense cities, 'playing outside' often requires traveling to a designated public park. There is a strong cultural emphasis on 'friluftsliv' (open-air life), regardless of weather.
Particle usage
Always use 'de' to mark the location of the action.
Social nuance
It's a very positive, healthy phrase to use.
Meaning
To engage in recreational activities outdoors.
Particle usage
Always use 'de' to mark the location of the action.
Social nuance
It's a very positive, healthy phrase to use.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct particle.
{子供|こども}たちは{公園|こうえん} ( ) {遊|あそ}んでいます。
'De' marks the location where an action takes place.
Choose the most natural phrase for a casual conversation.
Which is the most natural way to invite a friend?
The others are too formal for a casual invitation.
Match the Japanese phrase with its English meaning.
Match: 1. {外|そと}で{遊|あそ}ぶ, 2. {外|そと}で{働|はたら}く, 3. {外|そと}で{食|た}べる
Correct mapping of verbs to their meanings.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises{子供|こども}たちは{公園|こうえん} ( ) {遊|あそ}んでいます。
'De' marks the location where an action takes place.
Which is the most natural way to invite a friend?
The others are too formal for a casual invitation.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Correct mapping of verbs to their meanings.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes, playing soccer or catch is 'asobu'.
No, adults can use it for leisure, though it sounds a bit youthful.
Related Phrases
{公園|こうえん}で{遊|あそ}ぶ
specialized formTo play in the park
{外遊び|そとあそび}
synonymOutdoor play
{野外活動|やがいかつどう}
contrastOutdoor activities
{外|そと}で{食|た}べる
similarTo eat outside
