Inklingo

How to Say "burdens" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cargas

/KAR-gahs//ˈkaɾɣas/

nounB1general
Use 'cargas' when referring to physical loads being transported or abstract responsibilities that weigh someone down, like duties or emotional weight.
A donkey carrying two heavy woven baskets filled with colorful fruit on its back.

Examples

El equipo de rescate llevaba cargas pesadas para ayudar a los damnificados.

The rescue team carried heavy burdens to help the victims.

El camión lleva varias cargas pesadas.

The truck is carrying several heavy loads.

No quiero ser una de tus cargas familiares.

I don't want to be one of your family burdens.

Making it Plural

Since the singular word 'carga' ends in a vowel, we simply add an 's' to make it plural: 'cargas'.

pesos

/peh-sohs//ˈpesos/

nounB1figurative
Use 'pesos' specifically for figurative, heavy responsibilities or moral dilemmas that feel like a significant weight on one's conscience or decision-making.
A pair of heavy black metal dumbbells sitting on a gym floor.

Examples

Los pesos de la decisión final recaían sobre sus hombros.

The burdens of the final decision rested on his shoulders.

Los pesos de la balanza deben ser exactos.

The weights on the scale must be exact.

Siento el peso de mis decisiones.

I feel the weight of my decisions (often used in singular, but plural implies multiple burdens).

Pesos vs. Pesas

Use 'pesos' for currency or physical mass in science/scales. Use 'pesas' (feminine) for dumbbells or gym equipment.

Cargas vs. Pesos

Learners often confuse 'cargas' and 'pesos' because both can refer to figurative burdens. Remember that 'cargas' is broader, covering physical loads and general responsibilities, while 'pesos' is more specifically about the moral or emotional weight of decisions.

Related Translations

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