hago ejercicio
/aɡo exeɾθiθjo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I work out" is translated into Spanish as hago ejercicio.
Hago ejercicio is used to say that you engage in physical exercise to improve your health or fitness.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb hacer (to do/make) in the first-person singular present tense and the noun ejercicio (exercise).
Which one should you use?
Hago ejercicio is a broad term that can include anything from a light walk to a full gym session. In contrast, the verb entrenar is used to express "working out" specifically in the context of a structured gym routine or athletic training, implying a more disciplined or intense regimen.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, people use hacer ejercicio or simply ejercitarme.
How does it change in a sentence?
The subject pronoun yo (I) is optional and often omitted because the verb conjugation hago already indicates the first-person singular.
How do you pronounce it?
/aɡo exeɾθiθjo/
Did you know?
- The word gimnasio (gym) comes from the Greek 'gymnasion', which literally meant a place to exercise 'naked'.
- The word ejercicio shares the same Latin root as the English word 'exercise', but it is also the specific term used for a musical 'etude' or a practice drill.
- If you want to say you are working out to achieve a specific physique, you might say estoy poniéndome en forma, which literally translates to 'I am putting myself in form'.
Examples in context
- Yo hago ejercicio cada vez que puedo.I work out whenever I can.This sentence shows how to use hago ejercicio when talking about frequency.Tatoeba #2590583 by marcelostockle, translation #2544911 by CK
- Yo hago ejercicio.I work out.This sentence shows a simple way to say "I work out" using hago ejercicio.Tatoeba #4317537 by pchamorro, translation #2247639 by CK
- Hago ejercicio para mantenerme en forma.I work out to stay in shape.This sentence shows how to use hago ejercicio to express a purpose for exercising.Tatoeba #8097769 by Goatstein, translation #4401043 by CK
- Siempre hago ejercicio en el gimnasio.I always work out at the gym.
- Voy a empezar a entrenar más seguido.I'm going to start working out more often.
- Normalmente hago ejercicio tres veces por semana.I usually work out three times a week.
- Entreno todos los días para mantenerme en forma.I work out every day to stay in shape.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are talking about their morning routines.
- Elena¿Haces ejercicio por la mañana, Mateo?Do you work out in the morning, Mateo?
- MateoSí, yo hago ejercicio antes de ir al trabajo.Yes, I work out before going to work.
- Elena¡Qué bueno! Yo prefiero ir al gimnasio por la tarde.That's great! I prefer going to the gym in the afternoon.
- MateoEs importante mantenerse activo todos los días.It is important to stay active every day.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ejercicio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
