Inklingo
A colorful storybook illustration showing two friends sitting opposite each other at a small table, engaged in a casual, informal conversation.

charlar

char-LAR

VerbA1regular ar
to chat?having an informal talk,to talk?to converse casually
Also:to gossip?less common, implies informal talk about others,to chew the fat?informal phrase for lengthy, friendly conversation

Quick Reference

past Participlecharlado
infinitivecharlar
gerundcharlando

📝 In Action

Nos gusta charlar un rato después de cenar.

A1

We like to chat for a while after dinner.

¿Con quién estabas charlando tan animadamente?

A2

Who were you chatting with so lively?

Siempre charlan sobre política y el tiempo.

A1

They always talk about politics and the weather.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • conversar (to converse)
  • hablar (to speak/talk (general))
  • platicar (to chat (common in Mexico/Central America))

Antonyms

  • callar (to be silent)
  • silenciar (to silence)

Common Collocations

  • charlar por teléfonoto chat on the phone
  • charlar un ratoto chat for a little while

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'Con'

When you want to say who you are chatting with, you must use the preposition 'con' (with). Example: 'Charlo con mi madre' (I chat with my mother).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'charlar' and 'hablar'

Mistake: "Using 'charlar' when you mean 'to speak a language' or 'to give a formal talk.'"

Correction: Use 'charlar' only for informal, relaxed conversation. For general speaking or formal communication, use 'hablar'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Informal and Friendly

Think of 'charlar' as the friendly, casual version of 'hablar.' It suggests a pleasant, relaxed exchange of ideas.

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

vosotroscharláis
él/ella/ustedcharla
charlas
yocharlo
nosotroscharlamos
ellos/ellas/ustedescharlan

preterite

vosotroscharlasteis
él/ella/ustedcharló
charlaste
yocharlé
nosotroscharlamos
ellos/ellas/ustedescharlaron

imperfect

vosotroscharlabais
él/ella/ustedcharlaba
charlabas
yocharlaba
nosotroscharlábamos
ellos/ellas/ustedescharlaban

subjunctive

present

vosotroscharléis
él/ella/ustedcharle
charles
yocharle
nosotroscharlemos
ellos/ellas/ustedescharlen

imperfect

vosotroscharlarais
él/ella/ustedcharlara
chalaras
yocharlara
nosotroscharláramos
ellos/ellas/ustedescharlaran

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: charlar

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'charlar' to describe a relaxed conversation?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'charlar' and 'hablar'?

Both mean 'to talk,' but 'hablar' is more general (used for speaking a language or making a statement), while 'charlar' specifically means 'to chat' or 'to have a casual, friendly conversation.' If you’re just catching up with a friend, you 'charlas'.

Is 'charlar' a transitive or intransitive verb?

'Charlar' is generally used without a direct object. You usually just 'chat,' or you 'chat with someone' (charlar con alguien). It describes the action of conversing, not an action done *to* something.