jugar al fútbol
/xuɡaɾ al futbol/from spelling rules
To play soccer in Spanish is jugar al fútbol.
The phrase jugar al fútbol is a common and neutral way to express the act of taking part in a game of soccer as a player.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to to play at the soccer because it combines the verb jugar with the prepositional contraction al (a + el) and the noun fútbol.
Is it said differently in some regions?
jugar al fútbol is used in Spain and much of Latin America. In some parts of Latin America, the term balompié may be used in very formal contexts instead of fútbol. In several Latin American countries, the informal phrase echar una pichanga is used to mean having a kickabout and in Mexico and some Central American countries, jugar una cascarita is a popular way to express playing an informal soccer game.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the prepositional contraction al (a + el) between the verb jugar and the sport fútbol.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Sé jugar al fútbol.I can play soccer.This sentence is useful for expressing the ability to jugar al fútbol.Tatoeba #10363112 by Seael, translation #253859 by CK
- Tom sabe jugar al fútbol.Tom is able to play soccer.This sentence is useful for stating that someone knows how to jugar al fútbol.Tatoeba #871069 by Shishir, translation #680041 by Source_VOA
- Me gusta jugar al fútbol.I like to play soccer.This sentence is useful for expressing an enjoyment of jugar al fútbol.Tatoeba #4637638 by lawka, translation #253860 by CK
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are talking about their weekend plans.
- Mateo¿Quieres jugar al fútbol conmigo mañana?Do you want to play soccer with me tomorrow?
- MaríaSí, me encanta jugar al fútbol.Yes, I love playing soccer.
- MateoPerfecto, jugaremos en el parque.Perfect, we will play in the park.
- MaríaNos vemos allí, Mateo.See you there, Mateo.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fútbol, jugar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
