me encanta jugar
/me enkanta xuɡaɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I love playing" is expressed in Spanish as me encanta jugar.
This phrase is used to express a strong liking for the activity of playing. When you want to specify a particular game after the verb, Spanish typically requires the preposition a, which often combines with an article, such as in jugar al…
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "it enchants me to play". In this structure, the activity being played is actually the subject, while me serves as the indirect object.
Which one should you use?
While you could use amo jugar as a literal translation of "I love playing", the phrase me encanta jugar is much more natural and common when expressing a strong liking for a hobby or activity.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because jugar is an infinitive, the verb encanta remains in the third-person singular form regardless of how many things you love playing.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use me encantan jugar when following the phrase with an infinitive. me encanta jugar is the only correct form for an activity.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word jugar is a distant relative of the English word 'joke'. Both words originate from the Latin iocus, which referred to a jest or a joke.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, using the verb amar to express your love for a hobby can sound overly dramatic or even misplaced, as it is typically reserved for people or profound spiritual connections.
Examples in context
- Me encanta jugar al solitario.I love playing solitaire.This example shows how to use me encanta jugar with a specific game.Tatoeba #2050767 by Alba, translation #2050581 by CK
- Me encanta jugar al ajedrez.I love playing chess.Tatoeba #10209176 by DJ_Saidez, translation #6698217 by Eccles17
- Me encanta jugar con mi perro.I love playing with my dog.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are talking about their hobbies at a cafe.
- LucíaMe encanta jugar al fútbol los sábados.I love playing soccer on Saturdays.
- DanielEs un deporte muy divertido, Lucía.It is a very fun sport, Lucía.
- Lucía¿A ti te gusta el deporte?Do you like sports?
- DanielNo, prefiero leer un libro.No, I prefer reading a book.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jugar, me, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
