descargar
“descargar” means “to download” in Spanish. It has 4 different meanings depending on context:
to download
Also: to save
📝 In Action
Tengo que descargar la aplicación para pedir comida.
A2I have to download the app to order food.
No puedo abrir el archivo porque no se descargó bien.
B1I can't open the file because it didn't download properly.
Haz clic aquí para descargar el PDF.
A2Click here to download the PDF.
to unload
Also: to empty
📝 In Action
Los trabajadores están descargando el camión de mudanza.
B1The workers are unloading the moving truck.
Ayúdame a descargar las bolsas del coche.
A2Help me unload the bags from the car.
El barco descargó toda la mercancía en el puerto.
B2The ship unloaded all the goods at the port.
to run out of battery
Also: to discharge
📝 In Action
Se me descargó el celular y no tengo cargador.
B1My phone died (ran out of battery) and I don't have a charger.
La batería se descarga muy rápido si usas el GPS.
B1The battery drains very fast if you use the GPS.
No dejes que el portátil se descargue por completo.
B2Don't let the laptop run out of battery completely.
to vent
Also: to release
📝 In Action
Necesitaba descargar mi frustración con alguien.
B2I needed to vent my frustration to someone.
Llorar es una buena forma de descargar la tensión.
B2Crying is a good way to release tension.
No descargues tu rabia conmigo, yo no hice nada.
C1Don't take your anger out on me, I didn't do anything.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "descargar" in Spanish:
to discharge→to download→to empty→to release→to save→to unload→to vent→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: descargar
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'I downloaded the photo' in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the prefix 'des-' (meaning to undo or remove) and 'cargar' (to load), which comes from the Late Latin 'carricare' (to load a wagon).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'descargar' used for uploading too?
No, 'descargar' specifically means taking something DOWN from the internet or unloading it. To upload, you should use 'subir' or 'cargar'.
What is the difference between 'descargar' and 'desahogar'?
'Descargar' can mean venting anger or tension. 'Desahogar' is more about talking through your feelings or crying to feel better. They are similar but 'desahogar' is more personal and emotional.
Why do I see 'descargarse' with an 'se' at the end?
The 'se' is added when the action happens to the object itself, like a battery draining (se descarga) or when you are venting yourself (desahogarse/descargarse).