barajar las cartas
/baɾaxaɾ las kaɾtas/from spelling rules
To shuffle the deck in Spanish is barajar las cartas.
This phrase is used to describe the action of mixing a pack of playing cards into a random order. While you can use the verb mezclar to mean 'to mix' in many contexts, when you are specifically talking about shuffling a deck of cards, you should use the idiomatic verb barajar.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb barajar, which means 'to shuffle' or 'to mix' and las cartas, which means 'the cards'.
Which one should you use?
The default form barajar las cartas is the most common way to say 'shuffle the cards'. However, you can also use barajar la baraja to specifically mean 'shuffle the deck'.
How do you pronounce it?
/baɾaxaɾ las kaɾtas/
Did you know?
- The verb barajar originally meant 'to quarrel' or 'to dispute' in Old Spanish. This suggests that the act of shuffling cards was once likened to a chaotic argument.
- In some regions, the phrase barajar is used metaphorically to mean 'to consider' or 'to weigh' different options. For example, one might barajar several possibilities before making a decision.
- Traditional Spanish games often use the baraja española, which replaces the standard hearts and diamonds with suits like cups and coins.
Examples in context
- Por favor, baraje las cartas antes de repartir.Please shuffle the deck before dealing.
- Espera un momento, necesito mezclar las cartas antes de empezar el juego.Wait a moment, I need to shuffle the deck before starting the game.
- Asegúrate de revolver bien las cartas antes de repartir.Make sure to shuffle the deck well before dealing.
- Es tu turno de barajar las cartas.It is your turn to shuffle the cards.
- Antes de jugar, debes barajar las cartas.Before playing, you must shuffle the deck.
- ¿Puedes barajar las cartas, por favor?Can you shuffle the deck, please?
- Él olvidó barajar las cartas esta vez.He forgot to shuffle the deck this time.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are getting ready to play a card game.
- MaríaMateo, ¿podrías barajar las cartas?Mateo, could you shuffle the deck?
- MateoClaro, ahora mismo lo hago.Sure, I'll do it right now.
- MaríaGracias, así el juego será más justo.Thanks, that way the game will be fairer.
- MateoDe nada, ya estoy listo.You're welcome, I'm ready now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries barajar, las, CC BY-SA 4.0.
