jugar a buscar
/xuɡaɾ a buskaɾ/from spelling rules
To play fetch in Spanish is jugar a buscar.
The phrase jugar a buscar is used specifically for the game of throwing an object for a dog to retrieve, rather than a general sense of playing.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb jugar (to play) and the infinitive buscar (to look for/search), literally meaning 'to play to look for'.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, you often specify the object being fetched by adding la pelota (the ball) after the phrase, as in jugar a buscar la pelota (to play fetch with the ball).
How do you pronounce it?
/xuɡaɾ a buskaɾ/
Did you know?
- Even though we use it to mean 'play' in a game, the word jugar is actually a distant relative of the English word 'joke'. Both words trace their lineage back to the Latin word 'iocus', meaning a jest or a prank.
- In many Spanish-speaking households, telling a dog to 'drop' the ball is done with the command suelta. This word literally means 'release', treating the dog's grip like a physical bond that must be let go.
- The phrase jugar a buscar relies on the verb buscar, which is the same word Spanish speakers use when searching for a lost set of keys or looking for a missing person.
Examples in context
- Cuando visito a mi tía, siempre jugamos a traer con su perro.When I visit my aunt, we always play fetch with her dog.
- Me encanta jugar a buscar con mi perro.I love to play fetch with my dog.
- ¿Quieres jugar a buscar con la pelota?Do you want to play fetch with the ball?
- Él se cansa mucho de jugar a buscar.He gets very tired from playing fetch.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are at a park with their dogs.
- SofíaMateo, ¿podemos jugar a buscar con los perros?Mateo, can we play fetch with the dogs?
- MateoSí, es una buena idea para que corran.Yes, it is a good idea so they can run.
- SofíaMira cómo él quiere jugar a buscar ahora.Look how he wants to play fetch now.
- MateoEs un perro muy entusiasta.He is a very enthusiastic dog.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, buscar, jugar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
