jugar al pilla-pilla
/xuɡaɾ al piʝapiʝa/from spelling rules
To play tag in Spanish is jugar al pilla-pilla.
The phrase is used to describe the children's game where one person chases others to touch them and make them the chaser. The noun phrase el pilla-pilla refers specifically to the game itself.
Which one should you use?
While jugar al pilla-pilla is the default form, other variations exist depending on the region and level of formality. In Spain, you might use the informal expression Jugar a pillar. In Mexico, different versions are used such as jugar al traes, jugar a la traes or jugar a las traes.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the game is often referred to as la traes (meaning 'you have it') instead of pilla-pilla. Specific variations used in parts of Mexico, particularly in Mexico City, include jugar al traes, jugar a la traes and jugar a las traes.
How does it change in a sentence?
To indicate playing a specific game, the construction jugar a is used followed by a definite article and a noun, as seen in jugar al pilla-pilla.
How do you pronounce it?
/xuɡaɾ al piʝapiʝa/
Did you know?
- While pilla-pilla is common in Spain, the game is known as mancha in Argentina and Uruguay, which literally means 'stain'.
- In Spain, the word pilla in pilla-pilla is also used to describe a person who is street-smart, cheeky or a bit of a trickster.
- The Spanish verb jugar and the English word 'joke' both share a common ancestor in the Latin word iocus, which meant a jest or a piece of fun.
Examples in context
- Los niños están jugando al juego del pilla-pilla en el parque.The kids are playing tag in the park.
- Los jóvenes están jugando a la mancha en el patio de la escuela.The youngsters are playing tag in the schoolyard.
- ¿Quieres jugar al pilla-pilla en el patio trasero?Do you want to play tag in the backyard?
- Los niños quieren jugar al pilla-pilla.The children want to play tag.
- ¿Quieres jugar al pilla-pilla conmigo?Do you want to play tag with me?
- Mañana vamos a jugar al pilla-pilla en el parque.Tomorrow we are going to play tag in the park.
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding what to do in the park.
- MateoElena, ¿podemos jugar al pilla-pilla?Elena, can we play tag?
- ElenaSí, Mateo, me encanta ese juego.Yes, Mateo, I love that game.
- Mateo¡Entonces yo empiezo a perseguirte!Then I will start chasing you!
- Elena¡No me vas a atrapar tan rápido!You are not going to catch me so fast!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jugar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
