Spanish Phrase
Los invitados pueden echar unas partidas de cartas.
Meaning
This sentence tells us that the guests are allowed (or able) to play a few rounds of card games. It’s a friendly, informal way to describe a typical activity at a party or family gathering.
When to use
Use this phrase when you’re hosting a social event, a birthday party, or a family reunion and want to let guests know that playing cards is on the agenda. It works best in casual conversation with friends or family.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Losinvitadospuedenecharunaspartidasdecartas
Los invitados
Subject noun phrase. "Los" is the masculine plural definite article; "invitados" means "guests".
pueden
Third‑person plural of the modal verb *poder* (to be able to). It expresses ability or permission.
echar (una partida)
Colloquial use of *echar* meaning “to play” a game, especially cards or board games. It is informal and common in many regions.
unas
Indefinite plural article, equivalent to “some”. It agrees in gender and number with "partidas".
partidas de cartas
Noun phrase meaning “card games”. "Partida" is a match or round; "de cartas" specifies the type.
🗨In Conversation
¿Qué vamos a hacer mientras esperan la cena?
What are we going to do while we wait for dinner?
Los invitados pueden echar unas partidas de cartas.
The guests can play a few card games.
✕Common Mistakes
Los invitados pueden jugar unas partidas de cartas.
While "jugar" is correct, using "echar" adds a colloquial, native‑like flavor. Learners often default to "jugar" and miss the informal nuance.
Los invitados pueden echar una partida de cartas.
"una" is singular; the sentence talks about several games, so the plural "unas" is required.
Los invitados pueden echar las partidas de cartas.
Using the definite article "las" changes the meaning to specific, known games, whereas the original phrase refers to any games.
↔Alternatives
Los invitados pueden jugar a las cartas.
The guests can play cards.
Los invitados pueden divertirse con unas partidas de cartas.
The guests can have fun with a few card games.
Se permite a los invitados echar partidas de cartas.
Guests are allowed to play card games.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries, card games such as Mus, Truco, or Brisca are traditional pastimes at family gatherings, festivals, and after‑dinner socials. Using "echar una partida" is informal and conveys a relaxed atmosphere, so reserve it for friends, relatives, or informal events rather than formal business settings.