jugar a las cartas
/xuɡaɾ a las kaɾtas/from spelling rules
In Spanish, playing cards is translated as jugar a las cartas.
The phrase jugar a las cartas refers to the activity of playing a game with a deck of cards. If you are playing specific games, you might use different names, such as veintiuno for blackjack or solitario for solitaire.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase requires the preposition a between the verb jugar and the object las cartas.
How do you pronounce it?
/xuɣaɾ a las kaɾtas/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly omit the preposition a and say jugar las cartas instead of jugar a las cartas.
Did you know?
- In the traditional Spanish deck used for jugar a las cartas, the suits are 'coins', 'cups', 'clubs' and 'swords'.
- The Spanish verb jugar is a distant relative of the English word 'joke'. Both come from the Latin word iocus, which meant 'joke' or 'jest'.
- While cartas means 'cards' in the context of gaming, it is also the primary word for 'letters' sent through the mail.
Examples in context
- Odio jugar a las cartas.I hate playing cards.This sentence uses jugar a las cartas to express a personal dislike.Tatoeba #3677095 by Seael, translation #2547941 by CK
- "Tengo ganas de jugar a las cartas." "Yo también.""I feel like playing cards." "So do I."This example shows how to express a desire to play using jugar a las cartas.Tatoeba #2724 by Shishir, translation #1527 by CK
- Jugar a las cartas es divertido.Playing cards is fun.This sentence uses jugar a las cartas to describe the activity as fun.Tatoeba #329782 by tatoerique, translation #36916 by CK
- Recuerda traer una baraja de cartas para jugar durante la reunión.Remember to bring a deck of cards to play during the gathering.
- Necesitamos un buen mazo de naipes para la partida de póker.We need a good deck of cards for the poker game.
- ¿Alguien tiene ganas de jugar a las cartas?Does anyone feel like playing cards?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are relaxing in a living room.
- Elena¿Quieres jugar a las cartas conmigo?Do you want to play cards with me?
- MateoSí, me encanta jugar a las cartas.Yes, I love playing cards.
- ElenaPerfecto, yo reparto las cartas.Perfect, I will deal the cards.
- MateoMuy bien, Elena, empecemos.Very well, Elena, let's start.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, jugar, las, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
