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"Jugar" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to play", and "desempeñar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to carry out". Learn more about the difference between "jugar" and "desempeñar" below.
jugar(
hoo
-
gahr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
6. (to gamble)
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.
7. (to perform)
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) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
jugarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
9. (to gamble)
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?
desempeñar(
dehs
-
ehm
-
peh
-
ngahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to execute)
a. to carry out
El becario ha desempeñado todas sus tareas de manera eficiente.The intern has carried out all his assignments efficiently.
b. to hold (a position)
Actualmente, la Sra. González desempeña un cargo muy importante en la empresa.Currently, Ms. Gonzalez holds a very important position in the company.
a. to redeem
Si usted no desempeña sus joyas, las revenderemos.If you fail to redeem your jewels, we'll resell them.
desempeñarse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to work as
Me desempeñé como mesera para pagar la universidad.I worked as a waitress to pay for university.
5. (finances)
a. to get out of debt
Él se desempeñó temprano porque pagó más y más cada mes.He got out of debt early because he paid a little more each month.
