Jugar is a vital Spanish verb meaning "to play," specifically used for sports, games, and activities involving play. As a stem-changing verb (u → ue), it demonstrates how meaning and correct usage depend on context and conjugation.
- Used for playing sports, games, and fun activities.
- Not used for playing musical instruments (use tocar instead).
- Stem changes from “u” to “ue” in most forms (except nosotros/vosotros).
*Jugar* means to play (used for sports, games, and playful activities).
*Jugar* is used for playing sports or games, not for playing instruments.
*Jugar* is a stem-changing verb (u → ue).
Meaning and Usage
Jugar means "to play," focusing on participation in games or sports—not on playing instruments or other activities.
- Core meaning: “to play” (for sports, games, and playful activities).
- Not used for playing musical instruments—tocar is used instead.
- Expresses enjoyment through active participation.
*jugar* is used for playing games or sports.
*jugar* is not used for playing instruments or studying.
Conjugation and Stem Change
Jugar changes its stem from “u” to “ue” in most forms, except for nosotros and vosotros, which remain regular.
| Pronoun | Present | Stem Change? |
|---|---|---|
| Yo | Juego | Sí (u → ue) |
| Tú | Juegas | Sí |
| Él/Ella/Ud. | Juega | Sí |
| Nosotros | Jugamos | No |
| Vosotros | Jugáis | No |
| Ellos/Ellas/Uds. | Juegan | Sí |
- Stem change: u → ue (jugar → jueg…)
- Applies in: yo, tú, él/ella/usted, ellos/ellas/ustedes
- No stem change in: nosotros, vosotros
*Jugar* is conjugated as juego, juegas, juega, jugamos, jugáis, juegan.
The stem of *jugar* changes from u to ue in most forms.
Examples
- Jugar (infinitive): to play
- Yo juego al fútbol: I play soccer.
- Ellos juegan videojuegos: They play video games.
- ¿Juegas a las cartas?: Do you play cards?
- Nosotros jugamos baloncesto: We play basketball.
Use “a” + [sport/game] after forms of jugar to specify what is played.
The correct phrase is 'Yo juego al baloncesto.'
'They play video games' is 'Ellos juegan videojuegos.'
You use 'jugar a' followed by the game (e.g., 'jugar a las cartas').
Conclusion
Jugar is the go-to verb for playing sports or games, showcasing Spanish’s unique approach to play and participation. Its stem change keeps learners on their toes!
- Use jugar for play involving sports/games, not instruments.
- Remember the stem change: u → ue (except in nosotros/vosotros).
- Pair with “a” for specific sports or games (e.g., jugar al fútbol).