Me gusta jugar al ajedrez
/me ɡusta xuɡaɾ al axedɾeθ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I like to play chess" is translated into Spanish as Me gusta jugar al ajedrez.
What does it mean word for word?
The component Me gusta literally translates to "It pleases me" rather than the direct English "I like".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the contraction al (a + el) because the verb jugar requires the preposition a when it is followed by a masculine noun like ajedrez. While you might occasionally hear Me gusta jugar ajedrez, including the article in al ajedrez is the standard and more natural way to express playing a specific game.
How do you pronounce it?
/me ɡusta xuɡaɾ al axedɾeθ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying Yo gusto jugar al ajedrez. English speakers often make this error by trying to translate "I like" directly. Instead, use Me gusta.
Did you know?
- The word ajedrez is a linguistic fossil of the ancient Sanskrit word caturaṅga, which describes the four divisions of the ancient Indian army.
Examples in context
- Si hace calor, voy a nadar. Cuando llueve, me gusta jugar al ajedrez.When it's hot, I go swim. When it rains, I like to play chess.This sentence is useful for illustrating how to express a preference for playing chess when it rains, using the form Me gusta jugar al ajedrez.Tatoeba #687535 by lukaszpp, translation #687534 by lukaszpp
- Me gusta jugar al ajedrez los fines de semana para ejercitar mi mente y disfrutar de los retos estratégicos que ofrece.I like to play chess on weekends to exercise my mind and enjoy the strategic challenges it offers.
- Disfruto jugar al ajedrez porque me permite desarrollar habilidades de pensamiento crítico y toma de decisiones.I enjoy playing chess because it allows me to develop critical thinking and decision-making skills.
- Me gusta jugar al ajedrez con mis amigos los sábados. Nos retamos y lo pasamos genial.I like to play chess with my friends on Saturdays. We challenge each other and have a great time.
- Me gusta jugar al ajedrez en el parque.I like to play chess in the park.
- A veces, me gusta jugar al ajedrez solo.Sometimes, I like to play chess alone.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are talking about their hobbies.
- DanielElena, ¿qué haces los fines de semana?Elena, what do you do on weekends?
- ElenaLeo, me gusta jugar al ajedrez en el club.Leo, I like to play chess at the club.
- Daniel¡Qué bien! Yo también quiero aprender.That's great! I want to learn too.
- ElenaEntonces podemos jugar una partida mañana.Then we can play a game tomorrow.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ajedrez, jugar, me, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
