hacer deporte
/aθeɾ depoɾte/from spelling rules
In Spanish, 'to play sports' is translated as hacer deporte.
This phrase is used to describe taking part in physical activities or games for the purpose of exercise or competition.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase hacer deporte literally translates to 'to do sport'.
Which one should you use?
While English uses the verb 'play' for sports, Spanish uses hacer (to do) for the general activity of exercising or playing sports. In contrast, the verb jugar is typically reserved for specific games or matches, such as jugar al fútbol (to play soccer).
How does it change in a sentence?
You can use the plural form hacer deportes to refer to multiple types of sports, though the singular hacer deporte is more common when referring to the general concept.
How do you pronounce it?
/aθeɾ depoɾte/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying jugar deportes by translating 'play' directly from English. Instead, use the idiomatic expression hacer deporte.
Did you know?
- The word deporte is actually a linguistic mimic of the English word 'sport'. It was created by translating the concept directly from English into Spanish, a process known as a calque.
- While English uses 'play' for both sports and instruments, Spanish uses jugar for sports and tocar for instruments. Using jugar to describe playing a guitar would sound like you are using the instrument as a toy.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, you might hear people say practicar un deporte instead of hacer deporte to sound more formal or professional.
Examples in context
- Estoy intentando hacer deporte.I'm trying to play sports.This sentence is useful for expressing an intention or effort to use hacer deporte.Tatoeba #13711017 by ecorralest101, translation #13711015 by frpzzd
- Él practica deportes todas las semanas.He practices sports every week.
- Ellos hacen deporte los fines de semana.They play sports on weekends.
- Me gusta jugar al fútbol.I like to play soccer.
- Me gusta practicar ciclismo los fines de semana.I like to practice cycling on weekends.
- Él realiza actividades deportivas.He engages in sports activities.
- Quiero hacer deporte cada mañana.I want to do sports every morning.
- Es importante hacer deporte para la salud.It is important to do sports for one's health.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are talking about their weekend plans.
- Alejandro¿Quieres hacer deporte este fin de semana?Do you want to do sports this weekend?
- MaríaSí, me encanta hacer deporte al aire libre.Yes, I love doing sports outdoors.
- AlejandroPodemos ir al parque a correr.We can go to the park to run.
- María¡Es una idea excelente, Alejandro!That is an excellent idea, Alejandro!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries deporte, hacer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
