jouer

Senses

1. 1.

   to play

   to engage in games, sports, or entertainment for enjoyment

2. 2.

   to play (an instrument)

   to produce music from a musical instrument

3. 3.

   to act, perform

   to take on a role or character, especially in theatre or film

4. 4.

   to play a role; to matter

   to have influence or significance in a situation

Examples

• "Les enfants jouent au parc."

  The children are playing in the park.

• "Elle joue du piano depuis dix ans."

  She has been playing the piano for ten years.

• "Il a joué Hamlet dans cette production théâtrale."

  He played Hamlet in that theatrical production.

Usage

Jouer is highly versatile. Note the construction: **jouer à** + sport/game (jouer au tennis), **jouer de** + instrument (jouer de la guitare). Common in idiomatic expressions like jouer un rôle (to play a role) and jouer sur (to play on/exploit). Avoid confusing à and de in these contexts.