cargado
“cargado” means “loaded” in Spanish. It has 4 different meanings depending on context:
loaded, full
Also: laden, burdened
📝 In Action
El camión llegó cargado de mercancía fresca.
A1The truck arrived loaded with fresh merchandise.
Después de ir de compras, venía cargada con diez bolsas.
A2After going shopping, she came carrying ten bags.
charged
Also: fully powered
📝 In Action
¿Está cargada la batería de la cámara?
A2Is the camera battery charged?
No te preocupes, el móvil está cargado al cien por cien.
B1Don't worry, the cell phone is 100% charged.
strong, intense
Also: dark, heavy
📝 In Action
Necesito un café bien cargado para empezar el día.
B1I need a really strong coffee to start the day.
El vestido tiene un color rojo muy cargado.
B1The dress has a very intense red color.
tense, strained
Also: burdened, heavy
📝 In Action
Había un ambiente cargado de tensión en la sala de reuniones.
B2There was an atmosphere heavy with tension in the meeting room.
Se siente cargado por las responsabilidades de su nuevo puesto.
C1He feels burdened by the responsibilities of his new position.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: cargado
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'cargado' is used in the phrase 'un ambiente cargado'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word 'cargado' comes from the verb 'cargar,' which traces back to the Late Latin verb *carricare*. This meant 'to load onto a cart' (*carrus* being the Latin word for cart or wagon). The core idea has always been about putting weight or goods onto something.
First recorded: Medieval Spanish
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'cargado' always an adjective?
Yes, in this form, 'cargado' functions as an adjective, describing a noun. However, it is originally the 'past participle' of the verb 'cargar' (to load/to carry). When you use it with 'haber' (e.g., 'ha cargado'), it is part of the verb tense, but when used with 'ser' or 'estar', it acts as an adjective and must agree with the noun.
What is the difference between 'cargado' and 'lleno'?
'Lleno' simply means 'full' (like a cup full of water). 'Cargado' means 'loaded' or 'weighed down' and suggests that something was put *into* or *onto* the object, often implying a heavy or strong presence. For instance, you use 'cargado' for strong coffee, but 'lleno' for a full glass of water.