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March 24, 2026
游戏(遊戲)yóuxì(you2xi4)
游戏 (yóu xì) refers to a game or play activity, encompassing both video games and traditional games. It is commonly used in contexts involving entertainment, leisure, or competition, and can also extend to playful activities in various settings.
Frequency#578DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
Gaming has become a significant part of modern Chinese culture, with both traditional board games and contemporary video games gaining popularity, especially among younger generations. The rise of e-sports in China reflects a growing societal acceptance of gaming as a legitimate career.
Memory Tip
Think of 游戏 as a playground ('游' means to swim or play, and '戏' means drama or play). Imagine swimming in a pool of games, where each splash represents a different type of game you can play.
Meanings of 游戏
yóuxì(you2xi4)
1game
2to play
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About 游戏
游戏Simplified
遊戲Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#578Frequency Rank
场Measure Word
HSK 2.0L3HSK 3.0L3ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 游戏
Podcast: 游戏
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AI Study Notes for 游戏
Quick Contrast
玩耍 (wánshuǎ) - use '游戏' for structured play with rules, while '玩耍' emphasizes casual or free play.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 游戏 as a playground ('游' means to swim or play, and '戏' means drama or play). Imagine swimming in a pool of games, where each splash represents a different type of game you can play.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 游戏 with '比赛' (bǐ sài), which specifically refers to a competition. It is generally informal, but can be used in formal contexts when discussing the gaming industry. Common collocations include '玩游戏' (wán yóu xì - to play games) and '电子游戏' (diàn zǐ yóu xì - video games).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 3 word, 游戏 connects with other vocabulary related to leisure and activities, like '运动' (yùn dòng - sports) and '娱乐' (yú lè - entertainment). Focus on using it in sentences about hobbies and pastimes.
Cultural Note
Gaming has become a significant part of modern Chinese culture, with both traditional board games and contemporary video games gaining popularity, especially among younger generations. The rise of e-sports in China reflects a growing societal acceptance of gaming as a legitimate career.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly say '我玩游戏的' (wǒ wán yóu xì de) which is incorrect. The correct phrase is '我在玩游戏' (wǒ zài wán yóu xì) meaning 'I am playing a game.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 游戏
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Grammar Patterns of 游戏
游戏 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
"Monopoly" is one of the best-selling games of all time.
Cultural Notes for 游戏
🏮Cultural insight
Gaming has become a significant part of modern Chinese culture, with both traditional board games and contemporary video games gaining popularity, especially among younger generations. The rise of e-sports in China reflects a growing societal acceptance of gaming as a legitimate career.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, gaming often emphasizes individual achievement and competition, whereas in China, social gaming and communal play can be more culturally significant.
Frequently Asked Questions about 游戏
'游戏' refers specifically to games, while '玩' means 'to play' and can refer to any playful activity.
Yes, '游戏' can refer to both physical games and digital games.
'玩游戏' (wán yóu xì) means 'to play games' and is commonly used.
