Definition
打球 is a separable verb (离合词): 打 and 球 can split when you add a duration, measure word, or complement between them — e.g. 打了一会儿球 (played ball for a while). It means 'to play a ball game', typically one where you use your hands or arms (basketball, volleyball, ping-pong). It does not normally include soccer (踢足球), because 打 implies a striking motion with the hand. The noun 球 can also take modifiers: 打篮球, 打排球, 打乒乓球.
v.o.
to play a ball game (typically using hands/arms)
Examples
- 打球。Wǒmen zhōumò jīngcháng yìqǐ dǎ qiú.We often play ball together on weekends.
- 。Tā dǎ le yí gè xiǎoshí de qiú.He played ball for an hour.
- ，。Zuótiān wǒ dǎ le yì chǎng qiú, yíng le.Yesterday I played a ball game and won.
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