charlatán
“charlatán” means “chatterbox” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
chatterbox
Also: talkative
📝 In Action
Mi vecino es un charlatán; siempre me cuenta toda su vida en el ascensor.
B1My neighbor is a chatterbox; he always tells me his whole life story in the elevator.
No seas tan charlatán y deja que los demás también hablen.
B1Don't be such a chatterbox and let others speak too.
Era un niño muy charlatán que siempre tenía una historia que contar.
B2He was a very talkative boy who always had a story to tell.
quack
Also: fraud, snake oil salesman
📝 In Action
Ese supuesto médico resultó ser un charlatán sin título.
B2That supposed doctor turned out to be a quack without a degree.
No compres ese tónico; el vendedor es un charlatán de feria.
C1Don't buy that tonic; the salesman is a fairground fraud.
Muchos charlatanes prometen curas milagrosas en internet.
B2Many frauds promise miracle cures on the internet.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: charlatán
Question 1 of 3
If you call a woman a 'chatterbox' in Spanish, what word should you use?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Italian word 'ciarlatano', which comes from 'ciarlare' (to chatter). It originally referred to street performers and sellers who talked a lot to sell their goods.
First recorded: 17th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'charlatán' always an insult?
Not always. Between friends, it can be a playful way to say someone talks a lot. However, when referring to a professional, it is a serious insult meaning they are a fraud.
What is the difference between 'hablador' and 'charlatán'?
'Hablador' is more neutral and simply means 'talkative'. 'Charlatán' often implies that the person talks too much, talks nonsense, or is trying to deceive you.
Does this word have an accent mark?
Yes, on the last 'a' (charlatán), but only in the masculine form. In the feminine form (charlatana) or the plural (charlatanes), the accent mark is removed.