vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Jugar" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to play", and "practicar deportes" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to play sports". Learn more about the difference between "jugar" and "practicar deportes" 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?
practicar deportes(
prahk
-
tee
-
kahr
deh
-
pohr
-
tehs
)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. (general)
a. to play sports
A mi primo le encanta practicar deportes.My cousin loves to play sports.
El gimnasio tiene muchas canchas para practicar deportes.The gym has a lot of courts for playing sports.
