synonym Comparative
弄ぶ
VS
戯れる
Differences Between "弄ぶ" and "戯れる"
Option A
弄ぶ
Meaning
to play with; to trifle with; to toy with; to make fun of
Reading
もてあそぶ (moteasobu)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
彼は人の気持ちを弄ぶようなことはしない。
He wouldn't play with people's feelings.
Option B
戯れる
Meaning
to play, to frolic, to trifle with, to flirt
Reading
たわむれる (tawamureru)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
公園で子どもたちが子犬と戯れている。
Children are playing with a puppy in the park.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(to play with; to trifle with; to toy with; to make fun of)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 弄ぶ: 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. (物事をいい加減に扱う、人の感情や権力などを私利私欲のために利用する、といった否定的な意味合いで使われることが多いです。)
- 戯れる: 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.
- 弄ぶ: 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. (物事をいい加減に扱う、人の感情や権力などを私利私欲のために利用する、といった否定的な意味合いで使われることが多いです。)
- 戯れる: 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.
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