barajar
/baɾaˈxaɾ/
The English verb shuffle is translated into Spanish as barajar. Wiktionary also lists barajear and naipear.
Meaning: to put in a random order (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| barajar | /baɾaˈxaɾ/ |
| barajear | /baɾaxeˈaɾ/ |
| naipear | /naipeaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| entreverar | /entɾebeɾaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
The primary meaning of these terms is to put in a random order.
Which one should you use?
While barajar is the standard term for shuffling cards or ideas, entreverar implies a more chaotic or messy mixing/jumbling.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina and Uruguay, barajear is a common term used specifically to mean shuffling when talking about cards. The term naipear is also available in the language.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The nouns baraje, barajada and barajadura can be used to refer to the act of shuffling cards.
How do you pronounce it?
/baɾaˈxaɾ/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word naipes is thought to have originated from the Arabic word nā'ib, meaning 'deputy' or 'representative'.
- The word barajar originally had nothing to do with cards, but instead meant 'to quarrel' or 'to dispute' in Old Spanish.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, barajar is used figuratively to describe the act of debating or weighing several options before making a decision.
Examples in context
- Es tu turno de barajar.It's your turn to shuffle.This sentence shows how to state whose turn it is to use the verb barajar.Tatoeba #5658761 by albrusgher, translation #3820838 by CK
- ¿A quién le toca barajar?Whose turn is it to shuffle?This sentence is a way to ask who is responsible for using the verb barajar.Tatoeba #8563764 by arh, translation #9148991 by rafaeldejesus8199
- Tienes que barajar tus clases alrededor de todo lo que ocurre porque tú eres la señora de la casa y a menudo tienes un montón de invitados.You have to shuffle your classes round whatever happens because you're the lady of the house and you often have lots of guests.This sentence demonstrates using barajar in a figurative sense to describe rearranging classes or schedules.Tatoeba #5658771 by albrusgher, translation #1384572 by quickfitter
- Para mezclar las cartas correctamente, realiza un mezclado estilo "riffle".To shuffle the cards properly, perform a "riffle" shuffle.
- Vamos a revolver las cartas antes de empezar el juego.Let's shuffle the cards before starting the game.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are about to start a card game.
- JavierLucía, ¿puedes barajar las cartas, por favor?Lucía, can you shuffle the cards, please?
- LucíaSí, claro. Voy a barajar bien.Yes, of course. I'm going to shuffle them well.
- JavierPerfecto, ahora reparte las cartas.Perfect, now deal the cards.
- LucíaAquí tienes tu mano, Javier.Here is your hand, Javier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shuffle” translations and entries barajar, barajear, entreverar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries barajar, barajear, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
