Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| jugar | /xuˈɡaɾ/ /ʃuˈɡaɾ/ (Early, Modern, Spanish) |
| trebejar | /tɾebeˈxaɾ/ |
jugar is the standard verb used to describe playing games, engaging in sports or participating in recreational play. If you are referring to performing on a stage or acting, use the verb actuar instead.
Which one should you use?
Use jugar specifically for games and sports. Do not use it for musical instruments. Instead, use the verb tocar. While jugar refers to the act of play, the noun juego refers to an individual's performance in a sport and jugada refers to the action carried out when it is one's turn to play.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Latin America, specifically Argentina and Uruguay, the phrase jugar a la pelota is used to mean 'play ball' when referring to sports that involve a ball.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are playing a specific game or sport, jugar is often followed by the preposition a.
How do you pronounce it?
/xuˈɡaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using jugar when you mean playing a musical instrument. In those cases, you must use tocar.
Did you know?
- The Spanish verb jugar is actually a distant relative of the English word 'joke'.
Examples in context
- Sé jugar al tenis.I can play tennis.This sentence shows how to use jugar to express ability in a sport.Tatoeba #491070 by Shishir, translation #255078 by CK
- Voy a jugar tenis.I am going to play tennis.This sentence shows the use of jugar when expressing an intention to play a sport.Tatoeba #578582 by Leono, translation #255099 by CK
- Ven a vernos jugar.Come to watch us play.This sentence shows how to use jugar when someone is watching an activity.Tatoeba #2050758 by Alba, translation #2050568 by CK
- Quiero jugar al fútbol con mis amigos.I want to play soccer with my friends.
- Los niños están jugando un juego de mesa.The children are playing a board game.
- Me gusta tocar la guitarra en mi tiempo libre.I enjoy playing the guitar in my free time.
- ¿Alguien sabe tocar la flauta aquí?Does anyone know how to play the flute here?
- Ella quiere actuar en una obra de teatro.She wants to act in a play.
- Me encanta ver cómo actúan los actores en el escenario.I love watching how actors perform on stage.
- Siempre echo una partida de ajedrez después del trabajo.I always play a game of chess after work.
- Me encanta hacer deporte.I love to play sports.
- Vamos a jugar a la pelota en el parque.Let's play ball in the park.
- 432 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their plans for the afternoon.
- Alejandro¿Quieres jugar al fútbol hoy?Do you want to play soccer today?
- ElenaSí, me encanta jugar con ustedes.Yes, I love playing with you all.
- AlejandroPerfecto, vamos al parque ahora.Perfect, let's go to the park now.
- ElenaTengo que buscar mi balón primero.I have to find my ball first.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “play” translations and entries jugar, trebejar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jugar, trebejar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
