Estoy jugando
/estoi xuɡando/from spelling rules
In Spanish, Estoy jugando means "I am playing".
This phrase is used to say that you are currently engaged in a game or a playful activity.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the first-person singular of the verb estar (to be in a state) and the gerund of jugar (to play).
Which one should you use?
Use Estoy jugando for an action happening right now, whereas juego (I play) is used for habitual actions or general truths.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use soy jugando because they translate "I am" literally, but ser cannot be used to form the continuous tense.
Did you know?
- If you are 'playing' a prank on someone, Spanish speakers use the verb gastar with the word broma, essentially 'spending' a joke on them.
- While you use jugar for sports or board games, you must use the verb tocar to say you are playing a musical instrument. Using jugar would imply you are playing with the instrument like a toy rather than performing music.
- The verb jugar comes from the Latin jocus, which means 'joke' or 'jest', linking the act of playing to the act of joking.
Examples in context
- Estoy jugando con mi hija.I am playing with my daughter.This sentence is useful for showing how to use Estoy jugando with people.Tatoeba #1669094 by marcelostockle, translation #1661107 by Amastan
- Ahora estoy jugando voleibol.I am playing volleyball now.This sentence is useful for showing how to use Estoy jugando with sports.Tatoeba #1365406 by marcelostockle, translation #257465 by CK
- Estoy jugando un juego de computador.I am playing a computer game.This sentence is useful for showing how to use Estoy jugando with games.Tatoeba #1687271 by marcelostockle, translation #1686765 by Amastan
- Estoy jugando al fútbolI am playing soccer
- Estoy participando en el torneo de ajedrezI am playing in the chess tournament
- Estoy practicando baloncestoI am playing basketball
- Estoy jugando a videojuegosI am playing video games
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro calls Sofía while she is in the middle of a board game.
- SofíaHola Alejandro, no puedo hablar ahora.Hello Alejandro, I cannot talk right now.
- Alejandro¿Qué haces?What are you doing?
- SofíaEstoy jugando a las cartas con mi hermana.I am playing cards with my sister.
- AlejandroEstá bien, te llamo luego.That's fine, I will call you later.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
