Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, baloncesto is the standard term for the sport. However, in many parts of Latin America, it is more common to use básquetbol or simply básquet, resulting in the phrase jugar al básquetbol.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to express the continuous action of playing (for example, 'I am playing basketball'), use the gerund form jugando al baloncesto instead of the infinitive jugar. When conjugating the verb for different subjects, you can say Yo juego al baloncesto (I play), Tú juegas al baloncesto (You play), Él/Ella juega al baloncesto (He/She plays), Nosotros/Nosotras jugamos al baloncesto (We play) and Ellos/Ellas juegan al baloncesto (They play).
How do you pronounce it?
/xuɡaɾ al balonθesto/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying jugar baloncesto. English speakers often mistakenly omit the preposition and article. Always remember to include 'al' to say jugar al baloncesto.
Did you know?
- The verb jugar shares a distant ancestry with the English word 'joke', as both trace back to the Latin word iocus, meaning a jest or play.
- The term cesto in the word baloncesto specifically refers to a wicker basket, a nod to the sport's original equipment.
- The Spanish word for the sport's goal, canasta, is used not just for the physical hoop but also to describe a successful shot.
Examples in context
- Jugar al baloncesto es divertido.Playing basketball is fun.This sentence shows the phrase jugar al baloncesto used as a subject.Tatoeba #1321887 by Shishir, translation #1265336 by CK
- Cuando era pequeño, me gustaba más jugar al baloncesto que al fútbol.When I was little, I liked playing basketball more than soccer.This sentence uses jugar al baloncesto to express a past preference.Tatoeba #1827065 by Shishir, translation #10726413 by DJ_Saidez
- Me gusta jugar al baloncesto.I like playing basketball.This sentence uses jugar al baloncesto to express a current like or dislike.Tatoeba #854722 by opor, translation #903280 by CM
- En mi tiempo libre, me gusta jugar al baloncestoIn my free time, I like playing basketball
- Los jugadores profesionales pasan muchas horas practicando baloncestoProfessional players spend many hours practicing basketball
- El equipo nacional jugará el partido de baloncesto contra EspañaThe national team will play the basketball game against Spain
- ¿Quieres venir a jugar al basket con nosotros?Do you want to come play basketball with us?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are discussing their weekend plans.
- Mateo¿Quieres jugar al baloncesto conmigo el sábado?Do you want to play basketball with me on Saturday?
- SofíaSí, me encantaría jugar al baloncesto contigo.Yes, I would love to play basketball with you.
- MateoPerfecto, iremos al parque a las diez.Perfect, we will go to the park at ten.
- SofíaDe acuerdo, nos vemos allí.Agreed, see you there.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries baloncesto, jugar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
