What does it mean word for word?
Literally, jugar al fútbol means "to play at the soccer". This is because the preposition al (a contraction of a and el) is used with the verb jugar to indicate the specific game being played.
Which one should you use?
While jugar al fútbol refers to the sport in general, disputar un partido de fútbol is used when specifically talking about playing a match.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, it is standard to include the preposition al between the verb and the sport, as in jugar al fútbol. In many Latin American countries, speakers often omit the al and simply say jugar fútbol.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to describe the action as a continuous process (for example, "I am playing soccer"), you should use the gerund jugando al fútbol instead of the infinitive.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, jugar fútbol is not just a sport but a social ritual called pachanga, referring to an informal, non-competitive game played for fun.
- The phrase jugar al fútbol is linked to the verb jugar, which is the only verb in the entire Spanish language that changes its root vowel from 'u' to 'ue'.
- While jugar al fútbol is the standard phrase, in some regions, referring to a soccer game as a partidazo indicates a match that was exceptionally exciting or high-quality.
Examples in context
- Le gusta jugar al fútbol.He likes playing soccer.This sentence shows how to use jugar al fútbol with a person's likes.Tatoeba #977095 by Shishir, translation #290025 by CK
- Nos gusta jugar al fútbol.We like playing soccer.This sentence demonstrates using jugar al fútbol with a group's likes.Tatoeba #459155 by Shishir, translation #459083 by CM
- Hoy me desperté con ganas de jugar al fútbol.Today I woke up feeling like playing soccer.This sentence illustrates how to express a desire or feeling to participate in the sport using jugar al fútbol.Tatoeba #5014319 by don_ramon, translation #11011488 by DJ_Saidez
- Ellos van a jugar al fútbol en el parque.They are going to play soccer in the park.
- Él pasa mucho tiempo practicando fútbol.He spends a lot of time practicing soccer.
- Vamos a jugar fútbol después de la escuela.We are going to play soccer after school.
- Los chicos del barrio se reúnen para echar la pelota.The neighborhood boys gather to kick the ball.
- Los equipos rivales disputarán un partido de fútbol mañana.The rival teams will play a soccer match tomorrow.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their weekend plans at a cafe.
- Elena¿Quieres jugar al fútbol conmigo mañana?Do you want to play soccer with me tomorrow?
- MateoSí, me encanta jugar al fútbol.Yes, I love playing soccer.
- ElenaPerfecto, nos vemos en el parque.Perfect, I'll see you at the park.
- MateoDe acuerdo, allí estaré.Okay, I'll be there.
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.
