Gaming is a popular hobby worldwide, and knowing how to express your love for playing computer games in different languages can be both fun and useful. If you’re interested in learning how to say “play computer games” in Spanish, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the formal and informal ways to express this phrase, along with tips, examples, and regional variations.
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Formal Ways to Say “Play Computer Games” in Spanish
When you want to convey a more formal tone or speak in a professional setting, you can use the following phrases:
- Jugar videojuegos en el ordenador – This is the most straightforward way to say “play computer games” in Spanish. It is a literal translation that is commonly used across Spanish-speaking countries to denote playing video games on a computer.
- Jugar a los videojuegos en la computadora – Another common formal expression, this phrase is widely understood across different Spanish-speaking regions and means “play video games on the computer.”
- Disfrutar de los juegos de ordenador – This phrase translates to “enjoy computer games” and is a more nuanced way of expressing your love for gaming in a formal context.
Note: The phrases mentioned above are more general and applicable to various Spanish-speaking countries. However, regional variations might exist, so be mindful of any local idioms or preferences.
Informal Ways to Say “Play Computer Games” in Spanish
When you’re in a relaxed setting or speaking with friends, you can use these informal phrases to express your love for playing computer games:
- Jugar videojuegos en la compu – “Compu” is a colloquial abbreviation for “computadora” (computer). This phrase is widely used in informal conversations throughout the Spanish-speaking world. It can be translated as “play video games on the computer.”
- Jugar a los videojuegos en la PC – In some Spanish-speaking regions, “PC” is commonly used instead of “ordenador” or “computadora.” So, if you’re in a setting where “PC” is widely understood, you can use this phrase to say “play video games on the PC.”
- Cacharrear con los videojuegos en la compu – “Cacharrear” roughly translates to “tinker” or “mess around.” This expression conveys a more playful and enthusiastic approach to playing computer games and is often used among close friends. The complete phrase means “mess around with computer games on the computer.”
Tips when Talking about Playing Computer Games in Spanish
When discussing computer games in Spanish, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
- Use the appropriate verb: The verb “jugar” is the most common one to express “to play” in Spanish. Make sure to use it correctly when talking about playing computer games. For example, “jugar videojuegos” means “play video games.”
- Adapt to regional vocabulary: While the phrases mentioned earlier are widely understood, different Spanish-speaking regions may have their own vocabulary preferences. For example, “ordenador” is commonly used in Spain, while “computadora” is more frequently used in Latin America.
- Consider cultural references: When discussing computer games, it can be helpful to mention popular gaming brands or titles that resonate with Spanish-speaking audiences, such as “PlayStation,” “Xbox,” or “Fortnite.”
Examples of Saying “Play Computer Games” in Spanish
To provide you with a better understanding, here are some examples that illustrate how to say “play computer games” in different contexts:
Formal:
Me gusta disfrutar de los juegos de ordenador en mi tiempo libre.
(I enjoy playing computer games in my free time.)Informal:
¿Quieres jugar videojuegos en la compu esta tarde? ¡Será divertido!
(Do you want to play video games on the computer this afternoon? It’ll be fun!)
Formal:
Soy aficionado(a) a jugar videojuegos en el ordenador.
(I am a fan of playing video games on the computer.)Informal:
¡Vamos a cacharrear con los videojuegos en la compu hasta altas horas de la noche!
(Let’s mess around with computer games on the computer until late at night!)
Remember, these examples provide a general idea and can be adapted based on personal preferences and regional variations.
¡Diviértete jugando videojuegos en español! (Have fun playing video games in Spanish!)
