Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “to play video games” in Spanish. Here, we will explore both formal and informal ways of expressing this phrase, along with a variety of tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary. So, if you’re ready to dive into the exciting world of gaming vocabulary, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “To Play Video Games”
If you want to express the act of playing video games formally, particularly in professional or academic settings, consider using the following phrases:
- Jugar videojuegos: This is the most common and standard way to say “to play video games” in Spanish. It is widely understood across different Spanish-speaking regions. For example:
Me encanta jugar videojuegos los fines de semana.
(I love to play video games on weekends.)
- Jugar a los videojuegos: This is another formal variation that involves adding the preposition “a” before “los videojuegos.” It emphasizes the action of playing. For instance:
¿Qué haces después de estudiar? Yo juego a los videojuegos para relajarme.
(What do you do after studying? I play video games to relax.)
2. Informal Ways to Say “To Play Video Games”
If you’re among friends or in casual situations, there are several informal expressions commonly used to convey the idea of playing video games.
- Echarse unos videojuegos: This phrase is commonly used in Spain and Latin America. It literally means “to throw a few video games” but conveys the idea of playing them casually:
Vamos a echarnos unos videojuegos esta tarde.
(Let’s play some video games this afternoon.)
- Jugar a los jueguitos: In some Latin American countries, especially Mexico and Central America, people use the diminutive “jueguitos” as an informal term for video games:
Los chicos están jugando a los jueguitos en la sala.
(The kids are playing video games in the living room.)
3. Regional Variations and Tips
Spanish is spoken across many diverse regions, and there are a few regional variations when it comes to talking about playing video games. Here are a couple of notable examples:
- Videojugar: This term is predominantly used in Spain and combines the words “video” and “jugar” to form one verb:
¿Quieres videojugar en línea conmigo?
(Do you want to play video games online with me?)
- Chapar/computarse: These slang terms, commonly used in some Latin American countries, refer to playing video games:
Voy a chapar un rato antes de dormir.
(I’m going to play video games for a while before going to sleep.)
In addition to these regional variations, it’s worth mentioning that some gamers prefer to use English terms related to video games, such as “jugar videojuegos” or “gaming,” even in Spanish conversations due to their popularity and widespread use within the gaming community.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now learned how to say “to play video games” in Spanish in both formal and informal contexts. Remember, “jugar videojuegos” is the most commonly used phrase, but feel free to adapt your choice based on the situation or region you find yourself in.
Whether you’re playing solo, competing with friends, or exploring virtual worlds, may your gaming experiences in Spanish be enjoyable and filled with adventure!
