charco
“charco” means “puddle” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
puddle
Also: pool
📝 In Action
Cuidado, hay un charco de agua en el suelo.
A1Careful, there is a puddle of water on the floor.
A los niños les encanta saltar en los charcos después de la lluvia.
A2Kids love jumping in puddles after the rain.
El mecánico vio un charco de aceite debajo del coche.
B1The mechanic saw a pool of oil under the car.
the pond
📝 In Action
Muchos españoles cruzan el charco para trabajar en México.
B1Many Spanish people cross the pond to work in Mexico.
Mi primo vive al otro lado del charco, en Argentina.
B1My cousin lives on the other side of the pond, in Argentina.
¿Cuándo vas a cruzar el charco para visitarnos?
B2When are you going to cross the pond to visit us?
mess / sticky situation
📝 In Action
No quiero hablar de política para no meterme en un charco.
B2I don't want to talk about politics so I don't get into a mess.
El presidente se metió en un charco con sus últimas declaraciones.
C1The president got into a sticky situation with his latest statements.
Cada vez que habla, se mete en un charco.
B2Every time he speaks, he gets himself into trouble.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: charco
Question 1 of 3
What does someone mean if they say they are going to 'cruzar el charco'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Likely from an old sound-based word (onomatopoeic) meant to mimic the sound of stepping into water or mud ('chark').
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'charco' and 'charca'?
A 'charco' is a small puddle that usually disappears quickly (like after rain). A 'charca' is a larger, more permanent pond or pool of water, often in the countryside.
Can I use 'charco' for a coffee spill?
Yes! Any liquid that forms a small pool on a flat surface can be called a 'charco'.
Is 'cruzar el charco' used in Latin America?
Absolutely. People in Latin America use it to refer to going to Spain/Europe, and vice versa.