Spanish word

ajedrez

Pronunciation

IPA/axeˈðɾeθ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounchess

Example

¿Quieres jugar al ajedrez esta tarde?

Do you want to play chess this afternoon?

Illustration for ajedrez (chess)

More examples

Mi hermano juega en el club de ajedrez todos los sábados.

My brother plays at the chess club every Saturday.

Core concept

Board battle between two players whose goal is to deliver checkmate to the opposing king.

Common phrases

  • jugar al ajedrez

    play chess

  • partida de ajedrez

    chess game

  • club de ajedrez

    chess club

Similar words

juego: Activity engaged in for fun or recreation, including casual or spontaneous play.
partida: One completed game or match between opponents, counted as a single contest.
torneo: Tournament event where several participants compete across rounds for ranking or prizes.
juego de mesa: Tabletop game conducted on a board with components and turn-based rules.

Definition in Spanish

Juego de mesa entre dos personas cuyo objetivo es dar jaque mate al rey contrario mediante movimientos reglados de piezas.

Word origin

The Spanish ajedrez traces to medieval axedrez, borrowed from Arabic al-shatranj and ultimately derived from Sanskrit chaturanga, a term linked to a four-part military division.

Usage tips

  • Common invitations to play use phrases such as ¿Te apetece una partida? or ¿Juegas una partida? to ask someone to play.

Related words

  • ajedrecistachess playernoun
  • ajedrecísticochess-relatedadjective

Word lists with this word