jugar a las matatenas
/xuɡaɾ a las matatenas/from spelling rules
To play jacks in Spanish is jugar a las matatenas.
This phrase is used to describe playing a children's game that involves tossing and catching small metal or plastic objects.
What does it mean word for word?
The word matatenas is a compound noun that refers to the game itself or the game pieces used to play.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the verb jugar to name a game, you must include the preposition a before the name of the game.
Did you know?
- The name for the game, matatenas, is an unexpected gift from the Nahuatl language, the tongue of the Aztecs. It literally means 'to fill with stones' in Classical Nahuatl.
- The verb jugar is the only verb in the entire Spanish language that undergoes a specific vowel change from 'u' to 'ue' in its conjugation, such as moving from juego to jugamos.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, the pieces used in matatenas are not just plastic, but can be small stones or even metal washers, reflecting the original Nahuatl meaning.
Examples in context
- Los niños quieren jugar a las matatenas.The children want to play jacks.
- ¿Quieres jugar a las matatenas conmigo?Do you want to play jacks with me?
- Ella suele jugar a las matatenas en el recreo.She usually plays jacks during recess.
Example conversation
Two friends are hanging out in a park.
- LucíaDaniel, ¿podemos jugar a las matatenas?Daniel, can we play jacks?
- DanielSí, Lucía, busquemos las piezas.Yes, Lucía, let's look for the pieces.
- LucíaYo las tengo en mi mochila.I have them in my backpack.
- DanielPerfecto, empecemos a jugar.Perfect, let's start playing.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, jugar, las, matatenas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
