How to say "fun" in Japanese

• 楽しいたのしいJLPT N5approx.Common
  i-adjectiveThe adjective to use when 'fun' describes an experience, as in a trip, game or party that was fun. It also covers 'pleasant' and 'enjoyable'.
  あなたと一緒いっしょにいて楽たのしかった。↗

  I really enjoyed your company.
• 楽しみたのしみJLPT N4approx.Common
  noun, na-adjectiveCovers 'fun' as a noun — enjoyment, pleasure or delight — rather than as an adjective. It is also used for something one looks forward to with pleasure.
  水泳すいえいが私の楽たのしみの１つです。↗

  Swimming is one thing I enjoy.
• 戯れたわむれCommon
  nounSeldom the word you want for 'fun': it really means play, frolic or jest — or a caprice — so its 'fun' is playful jesting, not the enjoyment of an outing or party.
• 一興いっきょうCommon
  nounCovers 'fun' as a momentary diversion — brief entertainment rather than deep or lasting enjoyment. Typical when you remark that something, even an odd incident, provided a bit of amusement.
• 感興かんきょうCommon
  nounSeldom the word you want for 'fun': it really denotes the interest or inspiration something stirs in the mind. Its 'fun' is a sparked inner delight rather than lively enjoyment.

For 'fun' as an adjective use 「楽しい」, and for fun as a noun or something eagerly awaited use 「楽しみ」; 「戯れ」, 一興 and 感興 are narrower nouns for playful jest, a brief diversion, and stirred interest respectively.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 楽しいたのしいenjoyable
• 楽しみたのしみenjoyment
• 戯れたわむれplay
• 一興いっきょうamusement
• 感興かんきょうinterest
• 面白みおもしろみinterest
• ファンfun
• 歓楽かんらくpleasure
• 座興ざきょうentertainment (at a party)
• ご愛嬌ごあいきょうentertainment
• お楽しみおたのしみenjoyment
• 分ふんfun (one tenth of a monme, 5.787 grains)
• 面白いおもしろいenjoyable
• 曲きょくenjoyment
• 愛嬌あいきょうentertainment
• 面白さおもしろさfun
• おもしろおかしいenjoyable (e.g. life)