The verbs Jugar and Tocar in Spanish frequently confuse English speakers since they can both mean To Play. However, these verbs are NOT interchangeable since they have different uses depending on the context.
When to use Jugar
A) Jugar a is used when you are playing a sport or game.
When to use Tocar
A) Tocar is used when you are playing an instrument or style of music.
B) Tocar also means to touch.
When to use Jugar
A) Jugar a is used when you are playing a sport or game.
- Juego al fútbol todos los sábados. I play football all Saturdays.
- ¿Quieres jugar a las cartas conmigo? Do you want to play cards with me?
- Esta noche voy a jugar con mi Xbox en línea. Tonight I am oging to play with my
When to use Tocar
A) Tocar is used when you are playing an instrument or style of music.
- Me gusta tocar la guitarra.
- Admiro mucho a los artistas que tocan música clásica. I admire artistes that play classical music a lot.
- ¿Ella está tocando el piano en vivo o es una grabación? Is she playing the piano live or is it a recording?
B) Tocar also means to touch.
- El doctor no me tocó el estómago porque me dolía mucho. The doctor did not touch my belly because it was hurting so much.
- Toca esa ropa y ve si ya está seca. Touch that (item of) clothes and see if it is dry.