Definition
To play, have fun, or spend time enjoying an activity. Often used for leisure, games, or going out.
Example
周末我们去公园玩吧。
Show translation
Let's go to the park this weekend and have fun.
Etymology
The character 玩 (wán) combines the radical 王/玨 (jade/king) with 元 (first, original). Its earliest meaning referred to handling or examining jade ornaments with delight — something treasured and played with. Over centuries it broadened to mean any enjoyable, playful handling of things, and eventually simply "to play" or "to enjoy oneself."
Cultural note
In Chinese, 玩 is extremely versatile. You can 玩游戏 (play video games), 玩手机 (play on your phone), or even 玩笑 (wán xiào, "play a joke"). Telling someone 去玩吧! is a warm, casual way to say "go have a good time!" — it carries a friendly, carefree tone. Note: unlike English "play," 玩 is not normally used for playing a musical instrument (that uses 弹 or 吹) or playing a sport at a competitive level (that uses 打 or 踢).