jugar
to play
Engaging in fun activities
Encoding Strategies:
linguistic
juggle
juggle
+
-ar
verb suffix
Jugar means to play and is a verb suffix1 (-ar1) related to the English word juggle0, which is a form of playful entertainment.
jugar
to play
To play games, sports, having fun, etc.
to gamble, to bet
To play with money and luck in the game of chance.
- Jugó 50 dólares en el póker = He bet 50 dollars on poker
jugarse
to gamble, to bet, to risk (personal emphasis)
To risk or wager something of personal value, with the implication that the outcome directly affects the subject.
- Se juega el empleo cada vez que llega tarde = He's risking his job every time he shows up late
- Se jugó el coche en una partida de póker = He bet his car on a poker game