Join Discordjouer
play (a game, sport) / take part in a game
On va jouer au foot cet après‑midi ?
Are we going to play soccer this afternoon?
play (a musical instrument)
play (a recorded track / start playback)
Elle joue du piano depuis dix ans.
She has been playing the piano for ten years.
act, perform (a role in a play, film, series)
Elle joue très bien dans cette série.
She acts really well in that series.
gamble, bet (play with money or stakes)
Il a joué 50 € au poker hier soir.
He gambled €50 at poker last night.
use or exploit (a quality, situation, or resource)
toy with / manipulate (someone)
Elle joue de son charme pour obtenir ce qu'elle veut.
She uses her charm to get what she wants.
Notes
GENERAL INFO
Jouer means "to play". It is a regular -ER verb.
USAGE
It's used with *à* for games/sports (*jouer au foot* - to play soccer) and with *de* for instruments (*jouer du piano* - to play the piano). It can also mean "to play a role" (*jouer un rôle*) or just "to play" generally (e.g., *les enfants jouent* - the children are playing).
TRAPS
Don't confuse *jouer à* (for sports/games) with *jouer de* (for musical instruments). The choice of preposition is crucial and a common learner mistake.