barajar (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Verb

Phonetic Transcription

/baraˈxaɾ/

Translation Options into English

• to shuffle
• to deal (cards)
• to throw or toss (figuratively)
• to consider (figuratively)

Meaning and Usage

"Barajar" is primarily used in the context of card games, where it means to shuffle the cards or to deal them out to players. It can also refer to the act of mixing or rearranging items. Figuratively, it can mean to consider various options or possibilities regarding a situation.

Frequency of use is moderate; it is commonly seen both in spoken and written contexts, particularly in discussions related to games, decision-making processes, or problem-solving scenarios.

Example Sentences

1. Voy a barajar las cartas antes de comenzar el juego.

2. I will shuffle the cards before starting the game.

3. Es importante barajar las posibilidades antes de tomar una decisión final.

4. It is important to consider the possibilities before making a final decision.

5. Después de barajar la información, tomé la mejor decisión.

6. After considering the information, I made the best decision.

Idiomatic Expressions

"Barajar" is often used in idiomatic expressions, especially within the context of making decisions or weighing options.

Example Idiomatic Expressions

1. Barajar y dar de nuevo.
2. To shuffle and deal again. This phrase means to start over or to redo a situation, often used when circumstances change unexpectedly.
3. Por la lluvia, tuvimos que barajar y dar de nuevo nuestros planes para el picnic.

4. Due to the rain, we had to start over our plans for the picnic.

5. Barajar cartas.

6. To shuffle cards. This can refer to both actual cards and, metaphorically, to managing situations or resources.
7. En la empresa, siempre hay que barajar cartas para obtener mejores resultados.

8. At the company, one always has to manage resources to achieve better results.

9. Barajar opciones.

10. To consider options. This is often used in personal or business decision-making contexts.
11. Antes de elegir un lugar para las vacaciones, vamos a barajar opciones.
12. Before choosing a place for vacation, let's consider our options.

Etymology

"Barajar" comes from the Spanish term "baraja," which refers to a deck of cards. The verb form evolved as a derivative relating to the act of mixing and handling those cards. The origin of "baraja" can be traced back to the Latin "baracca," meaning a type of box or case, which further emphasizes the concept of handling or presenting something.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Mezclar (to mix)
• Dispersar (to scatter)
• Considerar (to consider)

Antonyms

• Ordenar (to order)
• Clasificar (to classify)
• Organizar (to organize)

In summary, "barajar" plays a significant role in both conversational and idiomatic Spanish, showcasing its versatility in card games, decision-making, and everyday language use.