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cargos

/cár-gos/

positions

A colorful storybook illustration showing a person in a professional suit standing behind a large ornate desk, holding a large, golden key, symbolizing a position of authority.

Cargos can mean "positions" or "roles" in a job.

cargos(noun)

mB1

positions

?

jobs or roles

,

posts

?

official appointments

Also:

offices

?

official duties

📝 In Action

Hubo varios cambios en los cargos directivos de la empresa.

B1

There were several changes in the company's management positions.

Ella renunció a todos sus cargos políticos después del escándalo.

B2

She resigned from all her political posts after the scandal.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • puestos (positions)
  • empleos (jobs)

Common Collocations

  • asumir cargos – to take on positions/roles
  • altos cargos – high-ranking positions

💡 Grammar Points

Always Plural

Remember that 'cargos' is the plural form of 'cargo'. To talk about a single job, use the singular 'cargo'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal Context

This word is often used in formal or serious settings, like discussing government, military, or large corporations.

A colorful storybook illustration depicting a large wooden gavel mid-strike on a sound block on a judicial bench, symbolizing a legal charge or accusation.

When referring to legal matters, cargos means "charges" or accusations.

cargos(noun)

mB2

charges

?

legal accusations

Also:

counts

?

specific accusations in an indictment

,

accusations

?

general term for blame

📝 In Action

El sospechoso se enfrenta a tres cargos de robo a mano armada.

B2

The suspect faces three charges of armed robbery.

Los fiscales retiraron los cargos por falta de pruebas.

C1

The prosecutors dropped the charges due to lack of evidence.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • acusaciones (accusations)
  • delitos (crimes (if convicted))

Common Collocations

  • presentar cargos – to file charges
  • retirar los cargos – to drop the charges

💡 Grammar Points

Prepositions with Legal Charges

When someone is accused, you often use the preposition 'de' (of) after 'cargos': 'cargos de fraude' (charges of fraud).

⭐ Usage Tips

Context is Key

When you hear 'cargos' in the news, especially with words like 'juez' (judge) or 'fiscal' (prosecutor), it almost certainly means 'legal charges' or 'accusations'.

A colorful storybook illustration showing a hand dropping a coin into the slot of a ceramic piggy bank, with a stylized red arrow pointing down, symbolizing a financial charge or debit.

Cargos can also refer to "charges" or fees applied to an account.

cargos(noun)

mB1

charges

?

fees or debits on an account

,

debits

?

financial transactions

Also:

fees

?

costs for a service

📝 In Action

El banco aplicó varios cargos por mora en mi cuenta.

B1

The bank applied several late payment charges to my account.

Puedes revisar todos los cargos del mes en tu extracto bancario.

B1

You can review all the month's debits on your bank statement.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • cobros (collections/fees)
  • comisiones (commissions/fees)

Antonyms

  • abonos (credits)

Common Collocations

  • cargos automáticos – automatic charges/payments
  • cargos por servicio – service fees

💡 Grammar Points

Direct Translation

In financial contexts, 'cargos' is the most direct and accurate way to translate 'charges' or 'debits' when talking about money being taken out of an account.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Fees

Mistake: "Using 'tarifas' instead of 'cargos' when talking about bank debits."

Correction: While 'tarifas' means 'rates/fees,' 'cargos' specifically refers to the amount deducted from the account. Use 'cargos' for transactions.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: cargos

Question 1 of 2

Which English word best translates 'cargos' in the sentence: 'El ministro ocupó varios cargos importantes.'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

cargo(position; charge (singular)) - noun
cargar(to charge; to load) - verb
cargamento(cargo; shipment) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if 'cargos' means 'positions' or 'charges'?

Look at the surrounding words. If you see words like 'empresa' (company), 'gobierno' (government), or 'renunciar' (to resign), it means 'positions.' If you see 'juez' (judge), 'fiscal' (prosecutor), or 'robo' (robbery), it means 'legal charges.'

Is 'cargos' the same as 'cargas'?

No. While they share the same root, 'cargas' (feminine plural) usually means physical 'loads,' 'burdens,' or 'freight.' 'Cargos' (masculine plural) refers to roles, fees, or legal accusations.