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"Jugar al fútbol" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to play soccer", and "jugar fútbol" is an intransitive verb phrase which is also often translated as "to play soccer". Learn more about the difference between "jugar al fútbol" and "jugar fútbol" below.
jugar al fútbol(
hoo
-
gahr
ahl
foot
-
bohl
)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.).
1. (sports)
a. to play soccer
Noelia empezó a jugar al fútbol con 11 años y, a los 18, ya estaba en el equipo nacional.Noelia started playing soccer when she was 11, and at 18 she was already in the national team.
b. to play football (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Mi padre juega al fútbol todos los domingos con sus compañeros de trabajo.My father plays football every Sunday with his colleagues.
jugar fútbol(
hoo
-
gahr
foot
-
bohl
)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.).
1. (sports) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. to play soccer
Todos los viernes, a la salida de la escuela, mis amigos y yo vamos a jugar fútbol.Every Friday after school my friends and I go to play soccer.
b. to play football (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Yo quería que mi hijo jugara tenis, pero a él lo que le gusta de verdad es jugar fútbol.I wanted my son to play tennis, but what he really likes is to play football.
