Inklingo
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jugador

/hoo-gah-DOR/

player

A young, energetic child in a red soccer uniform kicking a brightly colored soccer ball on a bright green field.

A soccer player (jugador) demonstrates the competitive meaning of the word.

jugador(noun)

mA1

player

?

sports, games, competitive activity

Also:

gamer

?

video games

,

athlete

?

professional sports

📝 In Action

El jugador de baloncesto anotó 20 puntos en el partido.

A1

The basketball player scored 20 points in the game.

Mi hermano es un jugador experto de ajedrez.

A2

My brother is an expert chess player.

Todos los jugadores deben llevar el uniforme del equipo.

A1

All the players must wear the team uniform.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • participante (participant)
  • deportista (athlete)

Common Collocations

  • jugador estrella – star player
  • jugador clave – key player
  • jugador de equipo – team player

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Change

Since this is a person, the word changes based on gender. To talk about a female player, change the ending to -a: la jugadora.

Specifying the Sport

To say which sport or game the person plays, use the word 'de' (of): jugador de fútbol, jugador de tenis.

⭐ Usage Tips

Professional vs. Amateur

While jugador works for everyone, you might hear deportista more often for professional athletes.

A close-up view of a wooden table showing a stack of colorful betting chips and a pair of white dice, representing risk and gambling.

A gambler (jugador) taking a risk with chips and dice illustrates the betting context of the word.

jugador(noun)

mB1

gambler

?

betting, risk

Also:

punter

?

UK English for betting

📝 In Action

Se volvió un jugador compulsivo y perdió todos sus ahorros.

B2

He became a compulsive gambler and lost all his savings.

El casino está lleno de jugadores de póker.

B1

The casino is full of poker players (gamblers).

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • apostador (bettor)

Common Collocations

  • jugador de cartas – card player
  • jugador empedernido – hardcore gambler

💡 Grammar Points

Connotation

In this context, jugador often carries a negative social connotation, implying someone has a problem with betting or takes excessive risks.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: jugador

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'jugador' to mean 'gambler'?

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'jugador' and 'deportista'?

'Jugador' is anyone who plays a game, whether it's soccer, chess, or video games. 'Deportista' is usually reserved for someone who practices a sport (deporte) seriously, often professionally, like an athlete or sportsman.

Can 'jugador' be used as an adjective?

Yes, but it's less common. When used as an adjective, it means someone is 'playful' or 'joking.' For example: 'Es una persona muy jugadora' (He/She is a very playful person).