What is the difference between "jugando", "sonando", "tocando" in Spanish?

The English word 'playing' can be translated into Spanish in several ways depending on the context. The main differences lie in whether you are referring to games, sounds, or musical instruments.

How to Say "playing" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “playing” is “jugando” — use 'jugando' when referring to people or animals actively participating in a game, sport, or recreational activity..

jugando🔊A1

Use 'jugando' when referring to people or animals actively participating in a game, sport, or recreational activity.

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sonando🔊A1

Use 'sonando' when something is making a sound, most commonly referring to a phone ringing or an alarm sounding.

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tocando🔊A2

Use 'tocando' specifically when referring to the act of playing a musical instrument.

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English → Spanish

jugando

/hoo-GAHN-doh//xuˈɣan.do/

Verb Form (Gerund)A1General

Use 'jugando' when referring to people or animals actively participating in a game, sport, or recreational activity.

A smiling child in a bright shirt happily kicking a soccer ball in a grassy field.

Examples

Los niños están jugando en el parque con una pelota.

The children are playing in the park with a ball.

¿Estás jugando al ajedrez o estás estudiando?

Are you playing chess or are you studying?

Mi equipo estuvo jugando muy bien hasta el final del partido.

My team was playing very well until the end of the game.

Using the Continuous Tense

In Spanish, we use the verb 'estar' (to be) followed by the gerund form 'jugando' to describe something happening at the moment: 'Estamos jugando' (We are playing).

Verbs of Motion

You can use 'jugando' after verbs like 'seguir' (to continue) or 'ir' (to go) to show a persistent or progressive action: 'Ella sigue jugando' (She keeps on playing).

Incorrect Preposition for Sports

Mistake: “Estamos jugando fútbol. (Missing 'a'.)”

Correction: Estamos jugando **al** fútbol. When talking about named sports or games, 'jugar' usually requires the preposition 'a' (or 'al' if the name is masculine).

See full entry for “jugando” →

sonando

/so-NAN-doh//soˈnando/

VerbA1General

Use 'sonando' when something is making a sound, most commonly referring to a phone ringing or an alarm sounding.

A golden bell swinging and vibrating as if it is ringing.

Examples

El teléfono está sonando desde hace un minuto.

The phone has been ringing for a minute.

Tu canción favorita está sonando en la radio.

Your favorite song is playing on the radio.

Se está sonando la nariz porque tiene un resfriado.

He is blowing his nose because he has a cold.

The '-ing' Ending

The ending '-ando' is the Spanish equivalent of '-ing.' Use it with the verb 'estar' (to be) to show that something is happening right now.

Don't forget the 'to be' verb

Mistake: “El teléfono sonando.”

Correction: El teléfono está sonando.

See full entry for “sonando” →

tocando

/toh-KAHN-doh//toˈkando/

Verb (gerund)A2General

Use 'tocando' specifically when referring to the act of playing a musical instrument.

A pair of hands actively strumming the strings of a simple acoustic guitar.

Examples

Mi hermano está tocando la guitarra en un concierto.

My brother is playing the guitar in a concert.

Están tocando música clásica en el jardín.

They are playing classical music in the garden.

Playing Instruments

In Spanish, the verb 'tocar' is used for playing any musical instrument, unlike English which uses 'play' and 'hit' (for drums) or 'blow' (for wind instruments).

See full entry for “tocando” →

Game vs. Music vs. Sound

The most common mistake is using 'jugando' for musical instruments or sounds. Remember that 'jugando' is for games and activities, 'tocando' is for instruments, and 'sonando' is for sounds like ringing.

Related Translations

performing→ringing→blowing→fooling around→gambling→handling→having fun→joking→

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