1.
to play, to frolic, to romp
To play or frolic in a lighthearted, carefree way. Often used for children or animals playing, or for playful interaction with nature. Has a literary, poetic quality.
子供たちが水辺で戯れている。
The children are frolicking by the water.
子犬が草原で蝶と戯れていた。
The puppy was playing with a butterfly in the meadow.
春の陽気に誘われて、家族で公園の芝生の上で戯れた。
Drawn out by the spring weather, the family frolicked on the park lawn.
2.
to flirt, to dally, to trifle
To engage in playful or romantic interaction that is not serious. Can imply being frivolous or not taking something seriously.
女性と戯れる。
To flirt with a woman.
言葉と戯れるのが好きだ。
I enjoy playing with words.
若い頃は恋に戯れるばかりで、将来のことなど考えもしなかった。
In my younger days, I just dallied with romance and never thought about the future.
CONJUGATION:
Ichidan verb. 戯れる → 戯れない → 戯れた → 戯れて
USAGE:
戯れる is a literary, elegant verb. In sense 1, it describes lighthearted, carefree play — typically used for children, animals, or adults enjoying nature. In sense 2, it describes flirtation or not taking something seriously.
The noun form 戯れ means "play" or "jest."
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 水と戯れる: to play in the water
- 波と戯れる: to frolic in the waves
- 言葉と戯れる: to play with words
- 恋に戯れる: to dally with love