juguete
/hoo-GEH-teh/
toy
In its most common usage, juguete means a toy, like this teddy bear.
📝 In Action
El niño perdió su juguete favorito en el parque.
A1The boy lost his favorite toy in the park.
Esta tienda vende juguetes educativos de madera.
A2This store sells educational wooden toys.
¿Puedes guardar todos los juguetes en la caja, por favor?
A1Can you put all the toys away in the box, please?
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Rule
Even though 'juguete' ends in '-e', it is a masculine noun. This means it always uses 'el' or 'un' before it, and any describing words (adjectives) must also be masculine (e.g., 'el juguete nuevo').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong gender
Mistake: "La juguete es divertido."
Correction: El juguete es divertido. (Remember 'juguete' is masculine, like 'el coche'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
The Root Word
The word comes from the verb 'jugar' (to play). Thinking of 'jugar' can help you remember the meaning of 'juguete' (something used for playing).
Juguete can also figuratively mean a plaything, referring to a person who is being easily manipulated.
📝 In Action
Se sentía como un juguete en manos de su jefe, que lo usaba para todo.
B2He felt like a plaything in the hands of his boss, who used him for everything.
La prensa lo trató como un juguete político desechable.
C1The press treated him like a disposable political tool/plaything.
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Use
This meaning emphasizes a lack of control or importance, suggesting the person is being 'played with' or used purely for someone else's amusement or benefit.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: juguete
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'juguete' in its figurative (non-literal) meaning?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cómo se dice 'toy store'?
The word for 'toy store' is 'juguetería'. This uses the noun 'juguete' plus the common ending '-ería', which often means 'a place that sells X' (like 'panadería' for 'bakery').