How to say "Play" in Japanese

When translating "play" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 弄ぶ and 戯れる. In Japanese, 弄ぶ (もてあそぶ (moteasobu)) is typically associated with "to play with; to trifle with; to toy with; to make fun of" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often implies playing with something in a casual or careless manner, or toying with someone's feelings/emotions, or abusing power. Can have a negative connotation.. On the other hand, 戯れる (たわむれる (tawamureru)) maps to "to play, to frolic, to trifle with, to flirt" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies playful interaction, often lighthearted, sometimes with an element of teasing or flirting. Can be used for children, animals, or even adults in a lighthearted way.. A literal translation of "play" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!