juego videojuegos
/xweɡo bideoxweɡos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I play games" is translated into Spanish as juego videojuegos.
This phrase is used to express that someone spends time playing electronic video games. Within this context, videojuego means "video game", while consola refers to a "console" and personaje refers to a "character".
What does it mean word for word?
The term videojuegos is a compound noun composed of video and juegos, which means "games".
Which one should you use?
The word juego can function as both a verb meaning "I play" and as a noun meaning "a game", so the meaning is determined by the surrounding context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word juego is the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb jugar (to play). In Spanish, the subject pronoun yo (I) is often omitted from the sentence because the verb ending -o already indicates that the subject is the first-person singular.
How do you pronounce it?
/xweɡo bideoxweɡos/
Did you know?
- Spanish distinguishes between playing a game and playing an instrument. While you use juego for video games, you must use toco for a piano or guitar, as jugar cannot be used for music.
- The phrase jugar con alguien can take a dark turn. While it usually means playing together, it is also the standard way to say you are toying with someone's emotions.
- In some Latin American regions, you might hear the phrase jugar maquinitas instead of jugar videojuegos. This is a nostalgic reference to the 'little machines' of early arcade halls.
Examples in context
- Juego FortniteI play Fortnite
- Yo juego videojuegos todos los fines de semana.I play video games every weekend.
- En mi tiempo libre, juego videojuegos.In my free time, I play video games.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are talking about their hobbies.
- DanielHola Sofía, ¿qué haces en tu tiempo libre?Hi Sofía, what do you do in your free time?
- SofíaLeo libros, ¿y tú, Daniel?I read books, and you, Daniel?
- DanielYo juego videojuegos casi todos los días.I play video games almost every day.
- Sofía¡Qué divertido! Yo también quiero intentar.How fun! I want to try too.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
