Inklingo
Dictionary

cargando

kahr-GAHN-dohkaɾˈɣan.do

“cargando” means “charging” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:

chargingA1Verb

battery, device

Learn more →
loadingA1Verb

data, file, webpage

Learn more →
carryingB1Verb

a burden, luggage

Learn more →

chargingAlso: powering up

VerbA1regular ar
A bright red smartphone is plugged into a wall outlet via a white cord. A green lightning bolt icon appears on the screen, indicating it is charging.
past Participlecargado
infinitivecargar
gerundcargando

📝 In Action

Mi teléfono está cargando. No lo desconectes.

A1

My phone is charging. Don't unplug it.

¿Puedes revisar si la batería sigue cargando?

A2

Can you check if the battery is still charging?

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • recargando (recharging)

Common Collocations

  • estar cargando – to be charging
  • cargando la batería – charging the battery

loadingAlso: downloading

VerbA1regular ar
A stylized, simple computer monitor displaying a bright blue progress bar that is three-quarters full, symbolizing a file loading.
past Participlecargado
infinitivecargar
gerundcargando

📝 In Action

La página web sigue cargando. Hay que esperar.

A1

The webpage is still loading. We have to wait.

El juego está cargando todos los niveles.

A2

The game is loading all the levels.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • descargando (downloading)

Common Collocations

  • cargando un archivo – loading a file
  • la barra está cargando – the bar is loading (progress bar)

carrying, loadingAlso: hauling

VerbB1regular ar
A stylized, happy traveler is struggling slightly while carrying two very large, heavy brown suitcases, one in each hand.
past Participlecargado
infinitivecargar
gerundcargando

📝 In Action

Están cargando las cajas en el camión.

B1

They are loading the boxes onto the truck.

El burro iba cargando mucha leña.

B1

The donkey was carrying a lot of firewood.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • transportando (transporting)
  • llevando (carrying)

Antonyms

  • descargando (unloading)

Common Collocations

  • cargando peso – carrying weight

Indicative

Imperfect

yocargaba
túcargabas
él/ella/ustedcargaba
nosotroscargábamos
vosotroscargabais
ellos/ellas/ustedescargaban

Present

yocargo
túcargas
él/ella/ustedcarga
nosotroscargamos
vosotroscargáis
ellos/ellas/ustedescargan

Preterite

yocargué
túcargaste
él/ella/ustedcargó
nosotroscargamos
vosotroscargasteis
ellos/ellas/ustedescargaron

Subjunctive

Imperfect Subjunctive

yocargara
túcargaras
él/ella/ustedcargara
nosotroscargáramos
vosotroscargarais
ellos/ellas/ustedescargaran

Present Subjunctive

yocargue
túcargues
él/ella/ustedcargue
nosotroscarguemos
vosotroscarguéis
ellos/ellas/ustedescarguen
View All Tenses & Moods →

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "cargando" in Spanish:

carryingchargingdownloadinghaulingloadingpowering up

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: cargando

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'cargando' in the context of physical labor?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
cargar(to load, to charge) — Verb
carga(load, cargo, charge) — Noun
cargador(charger) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes
andandotomando
📚 Etymology

The verb 'cargar' comes from the Vulgar Latin word *carricāre*, which meant 'to load onto a wagon or cart' (*carrus*). This connection explains both the meaning of carrying physical things and the modern meaning of loading data.

First recorded: Medieval Latin

Cognates (Related words)

French: chargerPortuguese: carregando

💡 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

Is 'cargando' the same as 'descargando'?

No. 'Cargando' means 'loading' or 'charging.' 'Descargando' means 'unloading' (physical) or 'downloading' (digital). They are opposites.

How do I use 'cargando' in a sentence?

You typically use it with the verb 'estar' (to be) to show that the action is happening right now. Example: 'El paquete está cargando' (The package is loading).