¿puedo jugar contigo?
The English phrase "can I play with you?" is translated into Spanish as ¿puedo jugar contigo?
This phrase is a request used to ask for permission to join someone in a game or an activity.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of puedo (I can), jugar (to play) and contigo (with you).
Which one should you use?
The form ¿puedo jugar contigo? is used when there is a level of familiarity or in an informal setting, such as playing with a peer or a child. If you are asking to join a group of people rather than a single person, you should use ¿puedo jugar con ustedes?
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a group, replace the singular contigo with the plural con ustedes to form ¿puedo jugar con ustedes?
When do people say it?
A common positive response to this request is ¡Claro, ven! (Of course, come!). If someone wishes to decline the request politely, they might say Ahora no, lo siento (Not now, I'm sorry).
Did you know?
- While jugar is used for games and sports, it is never used for musical instruments. In those cases, Spanish speakers use the verb tocar, which literally means 'to touch'.
- The Spanish word jugar is a distant relative of the English word 'joke'. Both words trace their origins back to the Latin word iocus, which meant 'jest'.
- In Spain, children often simplify the request by just saying ¿juego? This literally translates to 'do I play?' but serves as the standard shorthand for 'can I play with you?'
Examples in context
- Me gusta este juego, ¿puedo jugar contigo?I like this game, can I play with you?
- Veo que tienes tus cartas, ¿puedo jugar contigo?I see you have your cards, can I play with you?
Example conversation
Elena sees Alejandro playing with his toy cars in the park.
- Elena¡Qué divertido! ¿Puedo jugar contigo?That looks fun! Can I play with you?
- AlejandroClaro, Elena, ven aquí.Of course, Elena, come here.
- ElenaGracias, Alejandro.Thanks, Alejandro.
- Alejandro¡Vamos a jugar!Let's play!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries contigo, jugar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
