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cargos

cár-gos/ˈkaɾɣos/

positions, posts

Also: offices
NounmB1
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.

📝 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

Common Collocations

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

charges

Also: counts, accusations
NounmB2formal
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.

📝 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

Common Collocations

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

charges, debits

Also: fees
NounmB1
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.

📝 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

Translate to Spanish

✏️ 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▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
largosamargos
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes from the verb 'cargar,' which traces back to the Vulgar Latin *carricare*, meaning 'to load a cart.' All three modern meanings—a job, a legal accusation, and a financial fee—relate to the original idea of a 'load' or 'burden' placed upon someone or something.

First recorded: Medieval Spanish (as 'carga' or 'cargo')

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: cargosEnglish: cargo

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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.