jugar a atrapar la pelota
/xuɡaɾ a atɾapaɾ la pelota/from spelling rules
To play catch in Spanish is jugar a atrapar la pelota.
This phrase describes the game where two or more people throw and catch a ball to each other.
Which one should you use?
The standard phrase is jugar a atrapar la pelota, but you may also encounter the informal version jugar a tirarse la pelota.
How do you pronounce it?
/xuɡaɾ a atɾapaɾ la pelota/
Did you know?
- The word pelota arrived in Spanish via Old French and Occitan. It evolved from the Latin word pila, which originally referred to a pillar or a rounded architectural column.
- While pelota means 'ball', it is also the name of a traditional sport from the Basque Country played with a leather ball and a hand or racket. In this context, it refers to a specific professional sport rather than a casual game.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the game of atrapar can refer to a game of tag where one person tries to catch others, rather than just throwing a ball.
Examples in context
- Los niños disfrutaron jugando a lanzarse la pelota en el parqueThe children enjoyed playing catch in the park.
- En el colegio, los estudiantes juegan a atrapar la pelota en la clase de educación físicaIn school, students play catch in physical education class.
- Después de la escuela, los amigos juegan a tirarse la pelota en el parqueAfter school, friends play catch in the park.
- A los niños les gusta jugar a atrapar la pelota.The children like to play catch.
- Podemos jugar a atrapar la pelota en el parque.We can play catch in the park.
- ¿Quieres jugar a atrapar la pelota conmigo?Do you want to play catch with me?
Example conversation
Two friends are hanging out in a backyard on a sunny afternoon.
- LucíaDaniel, ¿quieres jugar a atrapar la pelota?Daniel, do you want to play catch?
- DanielSí, Lucía, me encantaría jugar.Yes, Lucía, I would love to play.
- Lucía¡Perfecto! Yo traigo la pelota.Perfect! I'll bring the ball.
- DanielVale, nos vemos en el jardín.Okay, see you in the garden.
