Inklingo

charlar

char-LARtʃaɾˈlaɾ

charlar means to chat in Spanish (having an informal talk).

to chat, to talkAlso: to gossip, to chew the fat

VerbA1regular ar
Mexico and Central America
A colorful storybook illustration showing two friends sitting opposite each other at a small table, engaged in a casual, informal conversation.
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

Antonyms

Common Collocations

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

Indicative

Present

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

Preterite

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

Imperfect

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

Subjunctive

Present Subjunctive

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

Imperfect Subjunctive

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

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "charlar" in Spanish:

🗣️ Practice in a Tongue Twister

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: charlar

Question 1 of 1

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

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
la charla(the chat, the talk (noun))Noun
el charlatán(the chatterbox, the smooth talker (noun))Noun
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

This word is believed to be onomatopoeic—meaning it was created to imitate the sound of rapid, informal speech, similar to 'chatter' in English. It has been used in Spanish since the 15th century.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: ciarlare

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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.