the verb Jugar
Hi,
I wonder whether is it right to say Juego al golf or is it should be Juego el golf? I saw a site and it sounds like I play to the golf.
Thanks
6 Answers
In the DPD (read the original article here), it notes that in "la lengua culta" (that's a highfalutin expression for "fancy talk") the verb is considered intransitive, which basically means that it does not need a direct object to complete it's meaning. Therefore, if you want to describe the activity that you train or engage in, you include the preposition "a" along with the definite article, hence the expression "jugar al fútbol" (among others).
If the use of the preposition throws you off, consider that in English, we have similar expressions that often require a prepositional phrase to complete the idea such as
?He took part in a game of basketball
?He partakes in basketball
?He participates in basketball
?He trains for basketball
That being said, the DPD also notes that, likely due to the influence of English on the language, it is not altogether uncommon in certain regions of the Americas to hear the verb used transitively (that is the activity being played is considered a direct object and would therefore not require a prepositional phrase to introduce it), hence expressions such as "jugar fútbol"
In the long run, I guess it boils down to whether you prefer to sound more like a native English speaker who has been influenced by "proper" Spanish or like a native Spanish speaker who has been influenced by common English usage.
It may sound like that translated literally, but there is nothing wrong with saying "jugar al (deporte)." For example, "juego al fútbol."
Gracias por todas las respuestas
i learned in high school 
that you would only use el in some cases. Personally, I think al is the right way.
I personally do not like to play golf but I do like driving golf carts.
And yes you are correct 
Either one is correct.
