ranchar
“ranchar” means “to mess together” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to mess together
Also: to lodge
📝 In Action
Los soldados suelen ranchar juntos en el campamento.
B2The soldiers usually eat together in the camp mess.
Tuvimos que ranchar en una cabaña durante la expedición.
B2We had to lodge together in a cabin during the expedition.
Es agradable ranchar con compañeros de confianza.
C1It is nice to mess together with trusted companions.
to hang out
Also: to crash at
📝 In Action
Nos quedamos ranchando en la plaza hasta tarde.
B1We stayed hanging out in the square until late.
¿Podemos ranchar en tu casa hoy?
B1Can we crash at your house today?
Le gusta ranchar con sus amigos los domingos.
A2He likes to hang out with his friends on Sundays.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "ranchar" in Spanish:
to lodge→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: ranchar
Question 1 of 3
If a group of soldiers is 'ranchando', what are they most likely doing?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the noun 'rancho', which originally referred to a group of people eating together, likely coming from Old French 'ranc' (row or rank).
First recorded: 18th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'ranchar' used in all Spanish-speaking countries?
No, it is quite specific. You will hear it in military settings across many countries, but the informal 'hang out' meaning is mostly found in Argentina and Uruguay.
Is 'ranchar' the same as 'vivir'?
'Vivir' is general (to live), whereas 'ranchar' usually implies a temporary or communal living situation, like a camp or a social gathering.
Can I use 'ranchar' to mean 'working on a ranch'?
Not really. To describe working on a ranch, you would say 'trabajar en un rancho' or 'hacer tareas de campo'.