jugar al baloncesto
/xuɡaɾ al balonθesto/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'play basketball' is translated into Spanish as jugar al baloncesto.
Which one should you use?
In many Spanish-speaking regions, the more colloquial term básquetbol or básquet is used instead of the more formal baloncesto.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term básquetbol is much more common in Latin American Spanish than baloncesto, which is more prevalent in Spain. Additionally, in some regions, particularly in Latin America, echar una partidita de baloncesto is a common informal way to say 'play basketball'.
How do you pronounce it?
/xuɡaɾ al balonθesto/
Did you know?
- The word jugar shares a common ancestor with the English word 'joke', originating from the Latin iocus, which means 'jest' or 'play'.
- While English uses 'play' for both games and instruments, Spanish uses jugar for baloncesto but a completely different verb, tocar, for musical instruments.
- The Spanish word cesto in baloncesto refers specifically to the basket, echoing the sport's origins where actual peach baskets were used as goals.
Examples in context
- Es interesante jugar al baloncesto.It is interesting to play basketball.This sentence shows how to use jugar al baloncesto to say that playing basketball is interesting.Tatoeba #2131574 by Shishir, translation #35408 by CK
- ¿Quieres jugar al baloncesto con nosotros?Would you like to play basketball with us?This sentence uses jugar al baloncesto to invite someone to play with a group.Tatoeba #6803802 by arh, translation #6803629 by CK
- Me gusta jugar al baloncesto.I like to play basketball.This sentence uses jugar al baloncesto to express a personal liking for the sport.Tatoeba #854722 by opor, translation #321679 by CK
- María quiere jugar al baloncesto en el equipo local.María wants to play basketball on the local team.
- Los estudiantes practican jugar al baloncesto en el gimnasio.The students practice playing basketball in the gym.
- Necesitamos practicar baloncesto para el próximo torneo.We need to practice basketball for the upcoming tournament.
- El equipo nacional dedica horas a practicar baloncesto diariamente.The national team dedicates hours to practicing basketball daily.
- Mis amigos y yo vamos a jugar al básquet este fin de semana.My friends and I are going to play basketball this weekend.
- Siempre me ha gustado jugar al básquet desde que era niño.I have always enjoyed playing basketball since I was a child.
- Hoy nos reuniremos para echar una partidita de baloncesto en el parque.Today we will meet to play a casual game of basketball at the park.
- ¿Te animas a echar una partidita de baloncesto después del colegio?Do you feel like playing a casual basketball game after school?
Example conversation
Javier and María are talking at a sports center.
- JavierMaría, ¿quieres jugar al baloncesto conmigo?María, do you want to play basketball with me?
- MaríaSí, me encanta jugar al baloncesto.Yes, I love to play basketball.
- JavierPerfecto, busquemos una canasta.Perfect, let's find a hoop.
- MaríaVamos, estoy lista para jugar.Let's go, I am ready to play.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries baloncesto, jugar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
