Meaning and Usage
"玩具" (がんぐ) means "toy" in Japanese and refers to objects designed primarily for children to play with. It can also include collectible or decorative items that resemble toys.
Common Contexts
This word is often used when talking about children's playthings, but it can also appear in contexts discussing hobbyist or adult collectibles, especially when emphasizing the item's playful or ornamental nature.
Collocations and Patterns
- 玩具で遊ぶ (がんぐであそぶ): to play with toys, common in everyday conversation about children.
- 玩具店 (がんぐてん): toy store, a place specializing in selling toys.
- 高級な玩具 (こうきゅうながんぐ): high-end or luxury toys, often referring to sophisticated or collectible items.
Register and Nuance
"玩具" is a neutral term and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is more common in written language or formal speech than casual conversation, where "おもちゃ" is often preferred.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "玩具" with "おもちゃ". While both mean "toy," "おもちゃ" is more colloquial and frequently used in daily speech, whereas "玩具" is more formal or technical. Use "玩具" when writing or speaking formally or when referring to toys in a broader or more abstract sense.