World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English Dictionariesspielen
Pronunciation / Transliteration: shpi-len
"Die Kinder spielen gerne im Garten."
Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
To engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose.
"The children love to play outside in the garden." - 2
To take part in a sport or game.
"They gather every weekend to play football."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the Old English verb 'plegian', meaning 'to exercise, frolic, jest, or play a game', which stems from Germanic roots. Historically, it evolved from signifying rapid movement or kinetic activity to encompass theatrical performance, musical execution, and engagement in recreational games.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Play"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Play" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
jouer
Transliteration: zhwe
"Les enfants aiment jouer au football."
spielen
Transliteration: shpi-len
"Die Kinder spielen gerne im Garten."
giocare
Transliteration: jo-ka-re
"A loro piace giocare a calcio."
jugar
Transliteration: hu-gar
"Me gusta jugar al tenis los fines de semana."
jogar
Transliteration: zho-gar
"Eles gostam de jogar futebol na praia."
खेलना
Transliteration: khelna
"बच्चe मैदान में खेल रहे हैं।"
玩
Transliteration: wán
"孩子们在公园里玩。"
놀다
Transliteration: nolda
"아이들이 공원에서 놀고 있어요."
遊ぶ
Transliteration: asobu
"子供たちは公園で遊んでいます。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all German termsExplore Nuanced Synonyms for "Play"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.