Inklingo
← Dictionary

charla

/CHAR-lah/

chat

A storybook illustration showing two smiling people sitting at a cafe table, animatedly chatting.

Charla, meaning "chat," often refers to a friendly, informal conversation.

charla(noun)

fA2

chat

?

informal conversation

,

talk

?

casual discussion

Also:

gossip

?

informal chatter (less common)

📝 In Action

Tuvimos una charla muy agradable después del trabajo.

A2

We had a very nice chat after work.

¿Puedes venir? Necesito tener una charla contigo sobre el plan.

B1

Can you come? I need to have a talk with you about the plan.

La charla entre los vecinos duró casi una hora.

A2

The conversation between the neighbors lasted almost an hour.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • conversación (conversation (more formal))
  • plática (talk/chat (common in Mexico/Central America))

Common Collocations

  • tener una charla – to have a chat/talk
  • de charla – chatting/in conversation

💡 Grammar Points

Feminine Noun Rule

Remember that 'charla' is always feminine, so you must use 'la' or 'una' before it: 'la charla' (the chat), 'una charla' (a chat).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: "Using 'charlar' (the verb, to chat) when you mean 'charla' (the noun, the chat)."

Correction: Say 'Quiero tener una charla' (noun), not 'Quiero tener un charlar' (incorrect verb use).

⭐ Usage Tips

Using 'Charla' vs. 'Conversación'

'Charla' usually implies a lighter, more relaxed, and informal exchange, whereas 'conversación' can be used for any type of dialogue.

A storybook illustration of a woman giving a casual presentation or short lecture to a small, attentive audience of three people.

Charla can also refer to a short, informal lecture or "talk."

charla(noun)

fB1

talk

?

short, informal lecture or presentation

Also:

briefing

?

informational meeting

,

lecture

?

short, introductory presentation

📝 In Action

El experto dio una charla sobre el uso seguro de internet.

B1

The expert gave a talk about safe internet use.

Asistimos a una charla muy interesante en el museo.

B2

We attended a very interesting lecture at the museum.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • conferencia (conference/formal lecture)
  • disertación (dissertation/formal speech)

Common Collocations

  • dar una charla – to give a talk/lecture
  • asistir a una charla – to attend a talk

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'Dar' for Talks

When someone is the speaker, we use the verb 'dar' (to give) with 'charla', similar to how we say 'to give a presentation' in English: 'El jefe dio una charla' (The boss gave a talk).

⭐ Usage Tips

Level of Formality

If the presentation is very formal, long, or academic, use 'conferencia'. 'Charla' is better for shorter, more accessible, or introductory presentations.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: charla

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'charla' to mean an informal lecture?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

charlar(to chat/to talk) - verb
charlatán(chatterbox/quack) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'charla' feminine or masculine?

'Charla' is always feminine. You should use 'la charla' or 'una charla'.

Can 'charla' be a verb?

No, 'charla' is only a noun (the talk/chat). The verb form is 'charlar' (to chat or talk), which is related but used differently in sentences.