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"Hacer un papel" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to play a role", and "jugar" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to play". Learn more about the difference between "hacer un papel" and "jugar" below.
hacer un papel(
ah
-
sehr
 
oon
 
pah
-
pehl
)
An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
intransitive verb phrase
a. to play a role
La comisión hizo un papel destacado en la protección de los derechos humanos.The committee played a prominent role in the protection of human rights.
a. to play a role
Carlos hizo un papel secundario en una telenovela.Carlos played a secondary role in a soap opera.
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jugar(
hoo
-
gahr
)
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. to play
Iván está jugando con sus amigos.Ivan is playing with his friends.
a. to play
¿Alguien quiere jugar al tenis conmigo?Does anybody want to play tennis with me?
Me gusta jugar al bingo por el dinero.I love playing Bingo for money.
a. to play with
No juegues con mi corazón.Don't play with my heart.
a. to move
Le toca jugar a la ficha amarilla.The yellow piece has to move.
a. to gamble
Pierde todo el sueldo jugando en la máquina tragamonedas.He loses his whole salary gambling on slot machines.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to bet
Fue un error jugar todo mi dinero en un solo caballo.It was a mistake to bet all my money on one horse.
a. to play
Nuestra situación económica jugó un papel muy importante en la decisión de vender la casa.Our financial situation played a very important role in the decision to sell the house.
8. (to participate in a game)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
(Latin America)
a. to play
Los niños juegan fútbol todos los domingos.The kids play soccer every Saturday.
jugarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
pronominal verb
a. to bet
Me juego una cena a que volverás.I bet you a dinner that you'll be back.
b. to wager
Me puse furiosa cuando me enteré que mi novio se había jugado nuestro depósito en una apuesta.I was furious when I found out my boyfriend had wagered our deposit on a bet.
c. to risk
No voy a jugarme todos los ahorros en una idea disparatada así.I'm not going to risk all my savings on a hare-brained idea like that.
d. to stake
¿Cuánto estás dispuesto a jugarte en el resultado de las elecciones?How much are you prepared to stake on the outcome of the election?
a. to stake
Me estoy jugando mi carrera por esa creencia.I'm staking my career on that belief.
b. to risk
No pienso jugarme la vida por quedar bien.I'm not prepared to risk my life to make myself look good.
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