Quiero jugar al fútbol
/kjeɾo xuɡaɾ al futbol/from spelling rules
The English phrase "i want to play soccer" is translated into Spanish as Quiero jugar al fútbol.
The phrase is used to express a desire to play soccer. Related vocabulary includes pelota for ball, arco for goal and equipo for team.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Quiero jugar al fútbol literally translates to "I want to play to the soccer" because of the preposition al (a + el).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, using al fútbol with the definite article is the standard way to express playing the sport. In several Latin American countries, such as Peru, you might say Me gustaría echar una pichanga to mean "play a soccer match informally". In Spain, the phrase Tengo ganas de jugar al fútbol is used to say "I feel like playing soccer" or "I really want to play soccer".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase Quiero jugar al fútbol, the verb querer (to want) is conjugated in the first-person singular present tense as quiero.
Did you know?
- The verb jugar is a distant relative of the English word 'joke'. It originally stems from the Latin word iocus, which means 'a joke' or 'a jest'.
- While Spanish speakers use fútbol for the sport, the word balompié is a formal, purely Spanish term for the same game, though it is rarely used in daily conversation.
- If you are in Mexico and want to play soccer in a very casual way with friends, you might ask to play fútbol or use the slang term cascarita.
Examples in context
- Quiero jugar al fútbol hoy.I want to play soccer today.
- No quiero jugar al fútbol ahora.I don't want to play soccer now.
- Quiero jugar al fútbol con mis amigos.I want to play soccer with my friends.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are talking about their weekend plans.
- MaríaMateo, quiero jugar al fútbol este sábado.Mateo, I want to play soccer this Saturday.
- Mateo¡Qué buena idea, María!What a great idea, María!
- María¿Quieres ir al parque conmigo?Do you want to go to the park with me?
- MateoSí, me encantaría.Yes, I would love to.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fútbol, jugar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
