In English we only have one verb which means “to play.” However, in Spanish Jugar and tocar are verbs which mean “to play,” but have very different uses. Jugar + a, is used to play a sport or game. José juega al tenis. Joe plays tennis. Me gusta jugar a la pelota. I like to play ball. On the other hand the verb tocar is used to play a musical instrument: Carmen toca muy bien el piano. Carmen plays the piano very well. Tocar may also mean to have one’s turn at doing something, to knock on a door or to touch someone or something.

Pedir and preguntar are two other troublesome verbs for English speakers. Both of these verbs mean to ask but note the uses. Pedir means to ask for or request something. El niño le pide dinero a su padre. The boy asks his father for money. Preguntar means to ask a question or inquire. El alumno pregunta a la profesora cómo está. The student asks the teacher how she is.

Poder and saber are two verbs that mean “can,” but have different uses. Poder means “can’ in the sense of ability. No puedo ayudar a mi amigo. I cannot help my friend (unable to help). Saber means “can” in the sense of to know how. El niño no sabe leer. The child can’t read (doesn’t know how to).

Finally, volver and devolver, both mean “to return” but are not used the same way. Volver means to return in the sense of come back. Voy a volver a casa. I’m going to return home. Devolver means to return in the sense of to give something back. Voy a devolver el libro a la biblioteca. I’m going to return the book to the library.

Tiquismo of the week:
Agazapado is a person who is a hypocrite in Costa Rica.