déjame jugar
/dexame xuɡaɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'let me play' is translated into Spanish as déjame jugar.
This phrase is a request or demand to be allowed to participate in a game or activity.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb deja (let/allow), the object pronoun me (me) and the infinitive jugar (to play).
Which one should you use?
Déjame jugar is used as a command or a request to be allowed to participate. This differs from quiero jugar (I want to play), which expresses a desire without necessarily requesting permission.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase déjame jugar, the pronoun me is attached directly to the end of the imperative form deja to create the single word déjame. While déjame jugar uses the informal imperative appropriate for friends, children or peers, you should use déjenme jugar if you are addressing a group of people or using a formal tone.
Did you know?
- Depending on the country, jugar can be used colloquially to mean 'to flirt' or 'to toy' with someone's emotions.
- The verb jugar is actually a distant relative of the English word 'joke'. They both stem from the Latin word iocus, meaning a jest or a joke.
- While jugar is used for sports and games, Spanish uses a completely different verb tocar to say 'play' when referring to a musical instrument.
Examples in context
- Déjame jugar la siguiente partida.Let me play the next game.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase déjame jugar.Tatoeba #1113917 by Shishir, translation #264277 by Jesse
- Permítame jugar al fútbol en el equipo.Let me play soccer on the team.
- Déjeme jugar en el torneo de ajedrez.Let me play in the chess tournament.
- Déjame jugar videojuegos contigo.Let me play video games with you.
- Permíteme jugar en tu equipo de baloncesto.Let me play on your basketball team.
- Déjame jugar contigo.Let me play with you.
- Por favor, déjame jugar un rato.Please, let me play for a while.
Example conversation
Two siblings are in the living room with a video game.
- Sofía¡Déjame jugar también, Mateo!Let me play too, Mateo!
- MateoNo, esta partida es muy difícil.No, this game is very difficult.
- SofíaPero yo también sé cómo se hace.But I also know how to do it.
- MateoEstá bien, espera tu turno.Fine, wait for your turn.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jugar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
