jouer aux jeux vidéo
The English phrase "play video games" is translated into French as jouer aux jeux vidéo.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is constructed using the verb jouer (to play) and the contraction aux, which is the combination of the preposition à and the plural article les.
Which one should you use?
If you are referring to one specific video game, you should use the singular form jouer au jeu vidéo.
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, the verb jouer requires the preposition à when it is followed by a game or a sport. When referring to plural games, jouer à and les contract to form jouer aux.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using jouer les jeux vidéo. English speakers often mistakenly use les instead of aux after the verb jouer when referring to games.
Did you know?
- If you were talking about playing a musical instrument instead of a video game, you would use jouer de instead of jouer à.
- In very informal settings, a French person might simply say jouer à la console (playing at the console) to mean playing video games.
- The French word vidéo comes from the Latin videō, which means 'I see'.
Examples in context
- J'aimerais marier une fille qui aime jouer aux jeux vidéos.I'd like to marry a girl who likes to play video games.This sentence shows how to express a preference for a partner with a specific hobby using jouer aux jeux vidéo.Tatoeba #614485 by Scott, translation #34757 by CK
- Les enfants ne devraient pas jouer aux jeux vidéos avec de la violence.Children shouldn't play video games with violence.This sentence provides an example of a cautionary statement regarding the content of the games being played with jouer aux jeux vidéo.Tatoeba #13924040 by Ioan_Cristian, translation #13924039 by Ioan_Cristian
- Salut les potes! Vous êtes partants pour jouer à des jeux vidéo?Hey, friends! Are you up for playing some video games?
- On se met sur les jeux vidéo après les cours?Shall we get into video games after class?
- Elle s'adonne aux jeux vidéo pour se détendre après une longue journée de travail.She indulges in video games to relax after a long day at work.
- Mon frère adore jouer aux jeux vidéo.My brother loves to play video games.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their weekend plans.
- ChloéQu'est-ce que tu fais ce soir, Nathan ?What are you doing tonight, Nathan?
- NathanJe vais jouer aux jeux vidéo.I am going to play video games.
- ChloéC'est super, je peux venir ?That's great, can I come?
- NathanOui, Chloé, viens à la maison !Yes, Chloé, come to the house!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aux, jouer, vidéo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
