puedo jugar
/pwedo xuɡaɾ/from spelling rules
The phrase puedo jugar is how you say "I can play" in Spanish.
This phrase is used to express that one has the ability or permission to participate in a game or sport.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb puedo is the first-person singular conjugation of poder (to be able to/can). To change the subject to 'you' (informal), change puedo to puedes.
Did you know?
- The verb jugar is the only verb in the entire Spanish language that undergoes a specific vowel alternation from 'u' to 'ue' in its conjugation.
- While 'playing' a sport is jugar, if you want to say you can play a musical instrument, you would use the verb tocar instead of jugar.
- The verb jugar is actually a distant relative of the English word 'joke'. Both words trace back to a concept of jesting or playing around, rather than serious competition.
Examples in context
- Puedo tocar el piano.I can play the piano.
- Puedo tocar la guitarra.I can play the guitar.
- Puedo tocar el violín.I can play the violin.
- Puedo jugar al fútbol.I can play soccer.
- Puedo jugar al baloncesto.I can play basketball.
- Puedo jugar al tenis.I can play tennis.
- Se me da bien tocar el piano.I'm good at playing the piano.
- Se me da bien tocar la guitarra.I'm good at playing the guitar.
- Se me da bien tocar el violín.I'm good at playing the violin.
- Hoy puedo jugar al fútbol.Today I can play soccer.
- No estoy cansado, puedo jugar con ustedes.I am not tired, I can play with you all.
- Si tengo tiempo, puedo jugar un partido.If I have time, I can play a match.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are talking about an upcoming basketball game.
- Daniel¿Quieres venir al parque hoy?Do you want to come to the park today?
- LucíaSí, por fin puedo jugar baloncesto.Yes, finally I can play basketball.
- Daniel¡Qué bueno! Yo también puedo jugar.That's great! I can play too.
- LucíaPerfecto, nos vemos allí.Perfect, see you there.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jugar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
