What does jouer in French mean?

What is the meaning of the word jouer in French? The article explains the full meaning, pronunciation along with bilingual examples and instructions on how to use jouer in French.

The word jouer in French means play, play, act, gamble, play, play, play, play, play, gamble, play with, play with , fiddle with, be played, be performed, play out, be decided, make light of, pull 's strings, be loose, play, work, play, dance, use, play on, play the + [noun], play, pretend, play in, play for, play, gamble, bet on, play, fool, play at being, play on, It's your move!, Your move!, it's your turn, it's your call, playing card, bring into play, shop around, invoke the guarantee, claim under the guarantee, pull a few strings, Opportunity is knocking, play hide and seek, play off-ground touch, play off-ground tag, play to a full house, play the wing, play God, play elastic, play elastics, play French elastic, play on the computer, play fight, play tea parties, play school, play mother, play shops, play hopscotch, play with dolls, play Russian roulette, Simon Says, play heads or tails, flip a coin for , toss a coin for, turn your loss into a win, play leapfrog, play to be scared, play doctors and nurses, play with a ball, play a ball game, play cat and mouse, play cat and mouse with, play doctors and nurses with, play football, play cops and robbers, play tag, play mummies and daddies, play the wise guy, come the wise guy, play the wise guy, come the wise guy, bet on the horses, play marbles, play cards, bet on the horses, play draughts, play cops and robbers, play grown-ups, play centre forward, play with fire, play with fire, play on 's nerves, get on 's nerves, play with 's feelings, put all your cards on the table, present a united front, make a team effort, pull together, work together, play like a lemon, play short ball, play a cross-court shot, play an instrument, play with the big boys, have a role in a film, play the drums, play the guitar, be plagued by bad luck, use your charms, use your wiles, jostle for position, play tricks, engage in double dealing, play the piano, play the market, play the stock market, be to 's disadvantage, work to 's disadvantage, play in defense, be to 's advantage, play network games, play out of tune, act poorly, act badly, play fair, play to win, play for high stakes, play big, play the [noun modifier] card, put on an act, act, play for time, stall, procrastinate, be more of a hindrance than a help, play it safe, promote transparency, be transparent, play the game, play 's game, play the bad guy, play the villain, play the idiot, play God, play stoppage time, play the tough nut, play the hard nut, act tough, act innocent, vanish into thin air, act tough, go into extra time, be extended. To learn more, please see the details below.

Listen to pronunciation

Meaning of the word jouer

play

verbe intransitif (se distraire)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
Les enfants ne pensent qu'à jouer.
Children only think about playing.

play

verbe intransitif (participer à une compétition sportive)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
Notre équipe joue en finale du tournoi.
Our team is playing in the tournament final.

act

verbe intransitif (être dans un rôle)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
Je trouve que cet acteur joue particulièrement mal dans ce film.
I think that actor plays his role in that film particularly badly.

gamble

verbe intransitif (parier)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
Le vieil homme jouait dans l'espoir de gagner le gros lot.

play

verbe transitif indirect (s'amuser avec un jeu) (game)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Mon grand-père joue souvent aux échecs. Constance joue à la poupée.
Constance plays with dolls.

play

(jeu : se faire passer pour [qqn])

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Et si on jouait aux gendarmes et aux voleurs ? Ma fille aime bien jouer à la marchande.
How about we play cops and robbers? // My daughter loves playing shopkeeper.

play

verbe transitif indirect (pratiquer un sport) (sport)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Pierre joue au tennis de table et au handball.
Peter plays table tennis and handball.

play

verbe transitif indirect (savoir se servir d'un instrument) (musical instrument)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Paul joue du piano et de la guitare. Ma fille joue de la flûte merveilleusement bien.
My daughter plays the flute beautifully.

play

verbe transitif (interpréter) (role, piece of music)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Ce soir, notre troupe jouera du Molière. Le pianiste a joué "Hey Jude" et tout le monde a chanté avec lui.
This evening, our group is performing Molière.

gamble

verbe transitif (risquer [qch]) (figurative)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
À se conduire ainsi, le patron joue sa réputation.
The boss is gambling his reputation by behaving in that way.

play with

verbe transitif indirect (exposer à des risques) (figurative)

À boire comme ça, Frédéric joue avec sa santé.
Fred's playing with his health drinking like that.

play with , fiddle with

verbe transitif indirect (manipuler sans y penser) (with fingers)

Sophie a joué avec sa natte durant toute la réunion.
Sophie played with her plait throughout the meeting.

be played

verbe pronominal (jeu, sport : être pratiqué)

Ce jeu de société se joue avec trois dés.
This board game is played with 3 dice.

be performed

verbe pronominal (pièce de théâtre,... : être représenté)

Cette pièce se joue chaque samedi.
This play is performed every Saturday.

play out

verbe pronominal (se dérouler, avoir lieu)

(phrasal verb, intransitive: Verb with adverb(s) or preposition(s), having special meaning and not taking direct object--for example, "make up" [=reconcile]: "After they fought, they made up.")
Un drôle de spectacle se joue dans la rue.
A strange spectacle is playing out in the street.

be decided

verbe pronominal (être décisif)

Tout se joue ici.
Everything will be decided here.

make light of

(défier, passer outre)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Ce brigand se joue des lois.
That robber makes light of the laws.

pull 's strings

(soutenu (manipuler [qqn]) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Machiavel se jouait de ses adversaires.
Machiavelli pulled his enemy's strings.

be loose

verbe intransitif (se mouvoir sans résistance)

Les vis jouent, la porte ne tient plus.
The screws are loose; the door won't stay in place any more.

play, work

verbe intransitif (être un facteur important)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
Le rapport de police ne joue pas en votre faveur.
The police report doesn't play in your favour.

play, dance

verbe intransitif (remuer, bouger) (wind: figurative)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
Le vent jouait dans les arbres.
The wind was playing among the trees.

use

verbe transitif indirect (figuré (utiliser [qch])

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Fabien a été obligé de jouer des coudes pour entrer dans la salle. Mon frère a joué de son autorité pour entrer.
Fabien had to elbow his way into the room.

play on

verbe transitif indirect (utiliser un atout abusivement)

(phrasal verb, transitive, inseparable: Verb with adverb(s) or preposition(s), having special meaning, not divisible--for example,"go with" [=combine nicely]: "Those red shoes don't go with my dress." NOT [S]"Those red shoes don't go my dress with."[/S])
Marcel joue de son autorité pour se faire servir.
Marcel exploits his authority in order to get served.

play the + [noun]

verbe transitif indirect (adopter une attitude) (informal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Ne joue pas au plus malin avec moi !
ⓘCette phrase n'est pas une traduction de la phrase originale. Don't come the innocent with me; I know you stole that money.

play

verbe transitif (se donner un rôle)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Arrête de jouer les héros, ça ne t'attirera que des ennuis.

pretend

verbe transitif (simuler un sentiment)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Quand il m'a vu, Benjamin a joué la surprise.
When he saw me, he pretended surprise.

play in

verbe transitif (participer à une compétition)

Notre équipe jouera la finale dimanche après-midi.
Our team will play in the final on Sunday afternoon.

play for

verbe transitif (disputer [qch] au jeu)

Chut, ils jouent la balle de match !
Shush, they're playing for the match!

play

verbe transitif (utiliser [qch] durant une partie)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Mais ne joue pas ton as maintenant !
Don't go playing your ace now!

gamble

verbe transitif (parier : de l'argent)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Et ne joue pas toutes nos économies aux courses !

bet on

verbe transitif (parier sur [qch])

Pour remporter la cagnotte, il fallait jouer le 8, le 9, le 12, le 21 et le 31.

play, fool

verbe transitif (littéraire (tromper)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Vous aurez été joué car je n'ai jamais vendu ce genre de choses.
You must have been played. I've never sold that kind of thing.

play at being

verbe transitif indirect (enfantin (faire semblant d'être [qqn])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
J'aimerais bien jouer à la marchande avec toi !

play on

verbe transitif indirect (se servir se)

(phrasal verb, transitive, inseparable: Verb with adverb(s) or preposition(s), having special meaning, not divisible--for example,"go with" [=combine nicely]: "Those red shoes don't go with my dress." NOT [S]"Those red shoes don't go my dress with."[/S])
Ce parti d'extrême-droite joue sur la peur des gens pour gagner des voix.

It's your move!, Your move!

interjection (à votre tour d'agir) (figurative)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

it's your turn

(c'est ton tour)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Nous t'attendons depuis trois minutes, choisis ta carte, c'est à toi de jouer.

it's your call

(familier (la balle est dans ton camp) (informal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Nous ne pouvons pas décider pour toi, c'est à toi de jouer.

playing card

nom féminin (fiche cartonnée servant au jeu)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

bring into play

locution verbale (avoir recours à [qch]) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

shop around

locution verbale (comparer les prix, mettre en concurrence) (compare prices, etc.)

(phrasal verb, intransitive: Verb with adverb(s) or preposition(s), having special meaning and not taking direct object--for example, "make up" [=reconcile]: "After they fought, they made up.")
We want the best deal and agency, so we'll pitch this out.

invoke the guarantee, claim under the guarantee

locution verbale (invoquer une garantie)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

pull a few strings

locution verbale (avoir recours à son relationnel) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
I know people in the department, I'll try and pull a few strings.

Opportunity is knocking

(une opportunité est à saisir)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

play hide and seek

locution verbale (jouer à se cacher pour être trouvé)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
On joue à cache-cache, je ferme les yeux, je compte, vous vous cachez et je vous trouve.

play off-ground touch, play off-ground tag

locution verbale (jouer à attraper un camarade)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

play to a full house

locution verbale (jouer dans une salle complète) (theatre)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Ce groupe joue tous les soirs à guichets fermés à Londres.
The group played three concerts in London, all of which were sold out.

play the wing

locution verbale (sport : jouer sur un côté) (sports)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Dans un match de rugby à XIII, ce joueur peut jouer à l'aile et à l'arrière.

play God

locution verbale (tester sans maîtrise)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

play elastic, play elastics, play French elastic

locution verbale (jouer au jeu de l'élastique)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Les petites filles jouaient à l'élastique dans la cour.

play on the computer

locution verbale (familier (faire un jeu vidéo sur ordinateur)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

play fight

locution verbale (faire semblant de se disputer)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Tom aime jouer à la bagarre avec son papa.

play tea parties

locution verbale (jeu enfantin)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Quand il était petit, Xavier jouait à la dînette avec sa sœur.

play school

locution verbale (faire semblant d'être une institutrice)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

play mother

locution verbale (faire semblant d'être une maman)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

play shops

locution verbale (faire semblant d'être un commerçant)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

play hopscotch

locution verbale (sauter à cloche-pied dans un rectangle)

Quand ils jouent à la marelle, les enfants poussent à cloche-pied un palet dans des cases tracées sur le sol.

play with dolls

locution verbale (s'amuser avec une poupée)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

play Russian roulette

locution verbale (jouer avec sa vie)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Jouer à la roulette russe est une conduite à risques.

Simon Says

verbe intransitif (jouer à savoir si [qch] vole) (children's game: equivalent)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Dans le cour de récréation, les enfants jouent à pigeon vole.

play heads or tails

locution verbale (s'en remettre au hasard)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Ils ont joué à pile ou face pour désigner un volontaire.

flip a coin for , toss a coin for

locution verbale (mettre en jeu)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Cet idiot a joué sa console à pile ou face et a perdu !

turn your loss into a win

locution verbale (figuré, familier (bénéficier d'un désavantage)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

play leapfrog

locution verbale (sauter par dessus un camarade)

play to be scared

locution verbale (se mettre en danger pour les sensations)

Les adolescents aimaient jouer à se faire peur et se rendaient souvent la nuit dans des maisons abandonnées ou marchaient le long de falaises.

play doctors and nurses

locution verbale (enfants : toucher le sexe d'un autre) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

play with a ball, play a ball game

locution verbale (jouer avec un ballon)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

play cat and mouse

locution verbale (jouer à s’attraper)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

play cat and mouse with

locution verbale (figuré (laisser de faux espoirs à [qqn]) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

play doctors and nurses with

locution verbale (figuré (peloter [qqn]) (euphemism)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Clémentine aimerait bien jouer au docteur avec le beau brun aux yeux bleus assis au bar.

play football

locution verbale (pratiquer le football) (UK)

play cops and robbers

locution verbale (jouer à s'attraper) (informal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

play tag

locution verbale (essayer d'attraper un camarade)

play mummies and daddies

locution verbale (faire semblant d'être parent) (UK)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

play the wise guy, come the wise guy

locution verbale (tenter d'être plus subtil que l'autre) (informal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

play the wise guy, come the wise guy

locution verbale (tenter d'être plus rusé que l'autre) (informal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

bet on the horses

locution verbale (faire des paris hippiques)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

play marbles

locution verbale (jouer avec des billes)

play cards

locution verbale (se divertir avec des cartes)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

bet on the horses

locution verbale (parier sur les courses de chevaux)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

play draughts

locution verbale (jouer au jeu de dames) (UK)

play cops and robbers

locution verbale (jouer à s’attraper) (informal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

play grown-ups

locution verbale (faire comme si on était adulte)

Tu joues aux grandes, mais en fait, t'es vraiment qu'une gamine !

play centre forward

locution verbale (Sports : avoir un poste d'avant-centre) (Soccer)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

play with fire

locution verbale (figuré (prendre des risques dangereux) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

play with fire

locution verbale (figuré (s'exposer à des problèmes probables) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

play on 's nerves, get on 's nerves

(figuré (énerver [qqn]) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

play with 's feelings

locution verbale (tenter de manipuler [qqn])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

put all your cards on the table

locution verbale (figuré (être franc) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Il est rare que les diplomates jouent cartes sur table.

present a united front, make a team effort, pull together, work together

locution verbale (penser comme membre d'une équipe)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

play like a lemon

locution verbale (familier (très mal jouer) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
J'ai joué comme une savate au tournoi du club et du coup, j'ai perdu 6-0 6-0.

play short ball

locution verbale (Tennis : faire des balles courtes) (tennis, etc.)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Si tu joues court, tu risques de te faire attaquer.

play a cross-court shot

locution verbale (Sports : faire des frappes en diagonale) (racket sports)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
L'idée, c'est de jouer croisé, puis d'attaquer le long de la ligne.

play an instrument

locution verbale (faire de la musique)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Savez-vous jouer d'un instrument ?

play with the big boys

locution verbale (familier (avoir affaire à des gens expérimentés) (informal, figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

have a role in a film

locution verbale (être acteur dans un film)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

play the drums

locution verbale (jouer des percussions)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Xavier jouait de la batterie dans un groupe local.

play the guitar

locution verbale (faire de la guitare)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Mon fils joue de la guitare et ma fille, du piano. Jeanne nous jouera de la guitare ce soir.

be plagued by bad luck

locution verbale (rencontrer des problèmes successifs)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

use your charms, use your wiles

locution verbale (chercher à séduire)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
La nouvelle a joué de ses charmes pour essayer de se mettre le chef dans la poche.

jostle for position

locution verbale (se frayer un passage dans une foule)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Il y a beaucoup de monde qui attend à l'entrée du stade, nous essayons de jouer des coudes pour entrer parmi les premiers.

play tricks

locution verbale (faire une farce)

Entre eux les enfants se jouent des tours.

engage in double dealing

locution verbale (soutenir 2 partis opposés)

play the piano

locution verbale (faire du piano)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Ce virtuose joue du piano depuis l’âge de 7 ans.

play the market, play the stock market

locution verbale (spéculer) (finance)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Jouer en Bourse consiste à spéculer sur la valeur future des titres proposés.

be to 's disadvantage, work to 's disadvantage

locution verbale (ne pas être à l'avantage de)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Ses retards répétés jouent en sa défaveur.

play in defense

locution verbale (jouer en arrière) (US: sports)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Ce footballeur peut jouer en défense centrale ou bien en défense latérale.

be to 's advantage

locution verbale (être positif pour)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Le mutisme du suspect ne joue pas du tout en sa faveur.

play network games

locution verbale (jouer avec d'autres ordinateurs)

play out of tune

locution verbale (musique : ne pas être dans le ton)

act poorly, act badly

locution verbale (acteur : mal jouer un rôle)

play fair

locution verbale (agir honnêtement)

Nous sommes contents de la solution trouvée à ce problème car chacun à joué franc jeu.

play to win

locution verbale (prendre un risque pour gagner)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Si tu joues contre un ordinateur, attention, celui-ci joue gagnant dans 99% des cas.

play for high stakes

locution verbale (risquer de perdre beaucoup)

play big

locution verbale (miser une somme importante) (gambling: informal)

Cet homme est un habitué du poker, il est connu pour jouer gros jeu.

play the [noun modifier] card

locution verbale (compter sur un sentiment)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

put on an act

locution verbale (faire semblant)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

act

locution verbale (jouer un rôle)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

play for time, stall, procrastinate

locution verbale (agir lentement en attendant une fin)

be more of a hindrance than a help

locution verbale (vieilli, péjoratif (s'attribuer un mérite injustifié)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

play it safe

locution verbale (opter pour le choix le plus prudent)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

promote transparency, be transparent

locution verbale (ne rien cacher)

play the game

locution verbale (se plier à des règles) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Pour grimper dans cette entreprise, les nouveaux jouent le jeu.
In order to progress in this business, new employees play the game.

play 's game

locution verbale (péjoratif (servir [qqn])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Le secrétaire joue le jeu du patron.

play the bad guy, play the villain

verbe intransitif (prendre le rôle du vilain)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

play the idiot

locution verbale (feindre la stupidité)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

play God

locution verbale (prendre des risques non maîtrisés)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

play stoppage time

locution verbale (jouer durant un temps supplémentaire) (sports)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

play the tough nut, play the hard nut

locution verbale (se faire passer pour un dur)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

act tough

locution verbale (paraître comme insensible)

act innocent

locution verbale (se faire passer pour innocent)

vanish into thin air

locution verbale (figuré, familier (s'enfuir)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

act tough

locution verbale (se faire passer pour un dur)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

go into extra time

locution verbale (Football)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be extended

locution verbale (figuré (rester plus longtemps que prévu)

La comédie musicale le Roi Lion joue les prolongations à Paris.
The King Lion show has been extended for a further two weeks.

Let's learn French

So now that you know more about the meaning of jouer in French, you can learn how to use them through selected examples and how to read them. And remember to learn the related words that we suggest. Our website is constantly updating with new words and new examples so you can look up the meanings of other words you don't know in French.

Do you know about French

French (le français) is a Romance language. Like Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish, it comes from popular Latin, once used in the Roman Empire. A French-speaking person or country can be called a "Francophone". French is the official language in 29 countries. French is the fourth most spoken native language in the European Union. French ranks third in the EU, after English and German, and is the second most widely taught language after English. The majority of the world's French-speaking population lives in Africa, with about 141 million Africans from 34 countries and territories who can speak French as a first or second language. French is the second most widely spoken language in Canada, after English, and both are official languages at the federal level. It is the first language of 9.5 million people or 29% and the second language of 2.07 million people or 6% of the entire population of Canada. In contrast to other continents, French has no popularity in Asia. Currently, no country in Asia recognizes French as an official language.