おままごと

おままごと
noun
playing house (children's game)
informalculturedaily-life
1. playing house (children's game)
A classic children's pretend game in which kids imitate family life by cooking, serving meals, and acting out household roles.
おままごとをする。
To play house.
子供(こども)たちがおままごとで遊(あそ)んでいる。
The children are playing house.
娘(むすめ)はおままごとセットを誕生日(たんじょうび)に欲(ほ)しがっている。
My daughter wants a play kitchen set for her birthday.
2. something amateurish or not serious; child's play
Used figuratively to belittle an effort as unserious.
おままごとじゃないんだ。
This isn't child's play.
あんな経営(けいえい)はおままごとだ。
That kind of management is amateurish.
おままごとみたいな料理(りょうり)だと笑(わら)われた。
I was laughed at for making food that looked like a child's pretend cooking.

A classic children's game where kids pretend to cook, serve meals, and imitate family life. The word comes from まま (cooked rice/food) with the honorific prefix お and ごと (an activity involving pretend or imitation). Traditionally associated with young girls, but played by children of all genders.

Common collocations

Usage

When used about adults or serious activities, おままごと implies that the effort is childish, amateurish, or not to be taken seriously. It can be quite dismissive.

Cultural note

おままごと is one of the most recognized traditional children's games in Japan, alongside かくれんぼ (hide and seek) and おにごっこ (tag).

general
Added 2026.4.6 23:23 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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