giocare
/d͡ʒoˈka.re/
The Italian phrase 'to play' is translated as giocare.
giocare is the most straightforward and commonly used verb for 'to play' in Italian when you mean to engage in an activity for enjoyment or to take part in a game.
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between different types of playing. Use giocare for games and sports, but use suonare when you are referring to playing a musical instrument.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you use the verb to express playing a specific game or sport, giocare is followed by the preposition a.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable. The IPA is /dʒoˈka.re/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use giocare for musical instruments, such as saying giocare un'orchestra. You should use suonare for instruments instead.
Did you know?
- The Italian word for 'game' or 'play', gioco, is the same root used in the English word 'joke'.
- The phrase giocare d'azzardo refers specifically to gambling. Here, giocare means to bet money rather than to play a game for fun.
- The word giocoso is an adjective derived from giocare that means 'playful' or 'cheerful'. In music, it is used as a direction to play a piece in a lighthearted mood.
Examples in context
- Sa giocare a golf?Do you know how to play golf?This sentence is useful for practicing the use of giocare in a question about a sport.Tatoeba #13661860 by Guybrush88, translation #6898859 by CK
- Sa giocare a poker.He knows how to play poker.This sentence shows how to use giocare to express knowledge of a game.Tatoeba #2777421 by Guybrush88, translation #1751899 by Amastan
- Amo giocare a golf.I love to play golf.This sentence demonstrates using giocare with a verb of emotion to express a hobby.Tatoeba #5640649 by Guybrush88, translation #505883 by wma
- Mi piace giocare a calcioI enjoy playing soccer
- Mi diverto a giocare a carteI have fun playing cards
- Mi piace sbizzarrirmi con la chitarraI love letting loose with the guitar
- Mi diverto a suonare la chitarraI have fun playing the guitar
- 709 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are at a park on a sunny afternoon.
- GiuliaVuoi giocare a calcio con noi?Do you want to play soccer with us?
- LorenzoSì, mi piace molto giocare all'aperto.Yes, I really like playing outdoors.
- GiuliaAllora Lorenzo, prendi la palla!Then Lorenzo, grab the ball!
- LorenzoArrivo subito, Giulia.I'm coming right now, Giulia.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry giocare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
