Playing an Instrument

Forgetting the 'a'

When you talk about playing a specific sport or game, you almost always need to add 'a' after 'jugar'. So it's 'jugar a las cartas' (play cards) or 'jugar al fútbol' (play soccer).

The Magic 'a'

Notice how the 'u' in 'jugar' changes to 'ue' in some forms, like 'yo juego' (I play). This happens in the present tense for most persons, but not for 'nosotros' (we) or 'vosotros' (you all, informal).

The Shape-Shifting Stem

While it mainly means 'to play,' you can also use 'jugar' just to mean 'kids playing' in general, without mentioning a specific game. For example, 'Los niños están jugando afuera' (The kids are playing outside).

Beyond Games

Extremely common. This is one of the very first verbs you'll learn in Spanish.

'Jugar' can mean to bet, like 'jugar a la lotería'. The verb 'apostar' is more specific and always means to bet or wager money on an outcome. You can use them interchangeably sometimes, but 'apostar' is clearer if money is on the line.

'Jugar' vs. 'Apostar'

Common in specific contexts like lotteries, casinos, or taking risks.

The phrase 'jugar un papel' or 'jugar un rol' is very common in professional and academic Spanish. It means 'to play a role' and is a great way to sound more advanced.

A Key Phrase to Know

A more advanced, figurative meaning used in formal and literary contexts.

Learn how to use the Spanish verb 'jugar'. See full conjugations, examples for 'to play', 'to bet', and 'to play a role', and learn common mistakes to avoid.

jugar

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations