クレーンゲーム
くれーんげーむ
noun
claw crane game; claw machine
1.
claw crane game; claw machine; UFO catcher
An arcade game where players use a joystick to maneuver a mechanical claw to grab prizes such as stuffed animals, figures, or snacks. A staple of Japanese game centers.
クレーンゲームでぬいぐるみを取った。
I won a stuffed animal from the claw machine.
クレーンゲームに千円も使ってしまった。
I ended up spending a thousand yen on the claw machine.
ゲームセンターのクレーンゲームで限定フィギュアを狙って何度も挑戦した。
I tried many times to get a limited-edition figure from the claw machine at the game center.
CULTURE:
Extremely popular in Japan, where game centers (ゲームセンター) often dedicate entire floors to claw machines. The brand name UFOキャッチャー (UFO Catcher, by SEGA) is often used as a generic term. Prizes range from plush toys to high-end figures, snacks, and even electronics. Staff can sometimes reposition prizes if a customer has spent enough.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- クレーンゲームで遊ぶ (to play the claw machine)
- クレーンゲームの景品 (claw machine prizes)
- クレーンゲームに挑戦する (to try the claw machine)
ORTHOGRAPHY:
Also called UFOキャッチャー (brand name) or simply クレゲー in casual speech.