* Play (most common, for general playing)
* To play (verb form)
* Perform (for music or theater)
* Game (referring to a specific game)
* Act (in the context of acting)
* To act (verb form of act)
* To operate (referring to machines or devices)
* To work (referring to playing with something)
Here are some examples:
* Die Kinder spielen im Garten. (The children are playing in the garden.)
* Sie spielt Klavier. (She plays the piano.)
* Er spielte eine wichtige Rolle in dem Film. (He played an important role in the film.)
* Ich spiele Schach. (I play chess.)
* Die Maschine spielt nicht richtig. (The machine isn't working properly.)
The best translation will depend on the specific context and the intended meaning.