Inklingo

How to Say "gossip" in Spanish

English → Spanish

rumores

roo-MOH-res/ruˈmo.ɾes/

nounA2informal
Use this word when referring to widespread, often unverified, talk or stories about people's private lives or events, implying idle talk.
A colorful storybook illustration showing two stylized figures leaning close together, one whispering a secret into the other's ear. Small, colorful shapes emanate from the whisperer's mouth, symbolizing the spread of unverified stories.

Examples

Los vecinos están llenos de rumores sobre la nueva pareja.

The neighbors are full of gossip about the new couple.

Hay muchos rumores sobre la boda de la actriz.

There are many rumors about the actress's wedding.

No creas los rumores; casi siempre son falsos.

Don't believe the rumors; they are almost always false.

Los rumores de un cambio de política afectaron la bolsa.

The rumors of a policy change affected the stock market.

Masculine Plural

Even though 'rumores' ends in '-es', it is a masculine noun. Use 'los' (the) or 'estos' (these) with it.

Using the Singular

Mistake: “Using 'un rumor' when talking about multiple stories.”

Correction: If you mean several pieces of unconfirmed information, always use the plural form: 'Hay rumores' (There are rumors).

rumor

roo-MOR/ruˈmoɾ/

nounA2
Use this when referring to a single piece of hearsay or an unconfirmed story that is circulating.
Two stylized figures sharing a secret, where a bright purple cloud shape emanates from the speaker's mouth into the listener's ear, visually symbolizing the spreading of an unverified story or gossip.

Examples

Se corre el rumor de que el jefe va a renunciar.

There's a rumor going around that the boss is going to resign.

Hay un rumor de que van a cerrar la tienda.

There's a rumor that they are going to close the store.

El director desmintió el rumor inmediatamente.

The director denied the rumor immediately.

No debes creer todos los rumores que circulan.

You shouldn't believe all the rumors that are going around.

Gender Check

Remember that 'rumor' is a masculine noun, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el rumor' (the rumor).

False Cognate Warning

Mistake: “Using 'ruido' (noise) when you mean 'rumor' (gossip).”

Correction: While related, 'ruido' means a loud, physical noise. Use 'rumor' when referring to unverified talk or news.

charla

/CHAR-lah//ˈtʃaɾla/

nounA2informal
This translates to 'chat' or 'talk' and is used for informal, friendly conversation, not typically for malicious or unverified gossip.
A storybook illustration showing two smiling people sitting at a cafe table, animatedly chatting.

Examples

Me gusta tener una charla tranquila con mi abuela por teléfono.

I like to have a quiet chat with my grandmother on the phone.

Tuvimos una charla muy agradable después del trabajo.

We had a very nice chat after work.

¿Puedes venir? Necesito tener una charla contigo sobre el plan.

Can you come? I need to have a talk with you about the plan.

La charla entre los vecinos duró casi una hora.

The conversation between the neighbors lasted almost an hour.

Feminine Noun Rule

Remember that 'charla' is always feminine, so you must use 'la' or 'una' before it: 'la charla' (the chat), 'una charla' (a chat).

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using 'charlar' (the verb, to chat) when you mean 'charla' (the noun, the chat).”

Correction: Say 'Quiero tener una charla' (noun), not 'Quiero tener un charlar' (incorrect verb use).

Rumor vs. Rumores

Learners often confuse 'rumor' (singular) and 'rumores' (plural). While both relate to hearsay, 'rumor' refers to a single piece of gossip, whereas 'rumores' implies a general atmosphere of gossip or multiple unverified stories circulating.

Related Translations

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