carga
“carga” means “load” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
load, cargo
Also: shipment
📝 In Action
La grúa levantó una carga de diez toneladas.
A2The crane lifted a ten-ton load.
El avión llegó con una carga de alimentos frescos.
B1The plane arrived with a cargo of fresh food.
charge
Also: ammo
📝 In Action
Mi móvil solo tiene un 10% de carga.
B1My cell phone only has a 10% charge.
Pon el coche eléctrico a cargar, que necesita la carga completa.
B2Plug the electric car in to charge, it needs a full charge.
burden, strain
Also: responsibility
📝 In Action
La carga de trabajo es insoportable este mes.
B2The workload (burden) is unbearable this month.
Ella sintió una gran carga de culpa después del accidente.
C1She felt a great burden of guilt after the accident.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: carga
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'carga' to describe an emotional burden?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from Late Latin *carrica*, which was related to the idea of a wheeled vehicle (*carrus* or wagon). It literally meant 'something transported by a cart,' and evolved to mean any physical weight or duty carried.
First recorded: Around the 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the noun 'carga' different from the verb 'cargar'?
'Carga' (the noun) is a thing—the load, the cargo, or the amount of electricity. 'Cargar' (the verb) is the action—to load a truck, to charge a phone, or to carry a responsibility.
Does 'carga' mean 'charge' in the financial sense (like a credit card charge)?
No. In Spanish, 'carga' is almost never used for a financial fee or charge. For that, you should use words like 'cargo' (a fee) or 'cobro' (a payment).