jugar en la computadora
/xuɡaɾ en la komputadoɾa/from spelling rules
To play on the computer in Spanish is jugar en la computadora.
This phrase is used to describe spending time playing video games on a computer. You may also see the acronym PC used to refer to a personal computer, and the word partidas used to refer to matches.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While jugar en la computadora is a standard way to express this, you can use the slang term jugar en la compu in informal settings.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, it is common to say jugar en el ordenador. In Latin America, the slang term compu for computadora is widely used, making jugar en la compu a frequent expression.
How do you pronounce it?
/xuɡaɾ en la komputadoɾa/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying jugar la computadora. In English, people sometimes omit the word 'on', but in Spanish, you must include the preposition en (on). Saying jugar la computadora would imply you are playing the computer itself as if it were a musical instrument.
Did you know?
- Spanish speakers often use the phrase echar una partida to describe playing a game, which literally translates to 'throwing a game'.
- The Spanish word jugar actually traces its roots back to the Latin word iocus, which means 'joke' or 'jest'.
- In a casino or betting context, the verb jugar shifts its meaning from leisure or gaming to gambling.
Examples in context
- En mi oficina, puedo jugar en el ordenador durante los descansos.In my office, I can play on the computer during breaks.
- Los sábados, me gusta jugar en la compu con mis amigos.On Saturdays, I like to play on the computer with my friends.
- Ella pasa horas jugando en el PC sin aburrirse.She spends hours playing on the PC without getting bored.
- ¿Quieres jugar videojuegos en la compu conmigo?Do you want to play video games on the computer with me?
- A mi hermano le gusta jugar en la computadora.My brother likes to play on the computer.
- ¿Quieres jugar en la computadora conmigo?Do you want to play on the computer with me?
- No puedo jugar en la computadora ahora.I cannot play on the computer right now.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are talking in the living room.
- JavierSofía, ¿puedo jugar en la computadora?Sofía, can I play on the computer?
- SofíaSí, pero haz tu tarea primero.Yes, but do your homework first.
- JavierEstá bien, termino en diez minutos.All right, I'll finish in ten minutes.
- SofíaPerfecto, entonces podrás jugar después.Perfect, then you can play afterwards.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries computadora, en, jugar, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
